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Mohajer-6 vs Shahed-149 Gaza: Side-by-Side Comparison & Analysis

Compare 2026-03-21 4 min read

Overview

The Mohajer-6 and Shahed-149 Gaza are two of Iran's most advanced unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs). While the Mohajer-6 is a tactical reconnaissance and combat drone, the Shahed-149 Gaza is a medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) UCAV. This comparison will help defense planners understand the strengths and weaknesses of each system and choose the best one for their specific mission requirements.

Side-by-Side Specifications

DimensionMohajer 6Shahed 149
Range 200 km 2000 km
Speed 200 km/h 250 km/h
Cost ~$500K Unknown (estimated $1-5M)
Guidance GPS/INS with EO/IR targeting pod Satellite communication, GPS/INS, EO/IR payload
Warhead Carries Qaem-series precision-guided bombs 13 hardpoints, carries precision-guided munitions
First Deployed 2018 2024
Operators Iran, Venezuela, Ethiopia, Sudan, Hezbollah Iran
Endurance Limited 24+ hours
Payload Small 13 hardpoints
ISR Capability Good for its class Advanced

Head-to-Head Analysis

Range & Coverage

The Shahed-149 Gaza has a significantly longer range than the Mohajer-6, making it more suitable for strategic missions. However, the Mohajer-6's shorter range is still sufficient for tactical operations.
The Shahed-149 Gaza is better for range and coverage due to its longer endurance and range.

Accuracy

Both systems have precision-guided munitions, but the Shahed-149 Gaza's advanced guidance system gives it an edge in terms of accuracy.
The Shahed-149 Gaza is more accurate due to its advanced guidance system.

Cost

The Mohajer-6 is significantly cheaper than the Shahed-149 Gaza, making it a more affordable option for countries with limited budgets.
The Mohajer-6 is more cost-effective due to its lower price point.

ISR Capability

The Shahed-149 Gaza has advanced ISR capabilities, making it more suitable for reconnaissance missions. The Mohajer-6's ISR capabilities are good for its class but limited compared to the Shahed-149 Gaza.
The Shahed-149 Gaza is better for ISR due to its advanced sensors and longer endurance.

Combat Record

The Mohajer-6 has a proven combat record, having been used in several conflicts. The Shahed-149 Gaza's combat record is limited, but it is expected to play a significant role in future conflicts.
The Mohajer-6 has a more extensive combat record, but the Shahed-149 Gaza's potential is significant.

Scenario Analysis

Defending against Iranian ballistic missile salvo

In this scenario, the Shahed-149 Gaza's advanced sensors and longer endurance make it a better choice for detecting and tracking incoming missiles. The Mohajer-6's shorter range and limited payload make it less suitable for this mission.
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Conducting tactical reconnaissance in a contested airspace

In this scenario, the Mohajer-6's smaller size and maneuverability make it a better choice for evading enemy air defenses. The Shahed-149 Gaza's larger size and longer endurance make it more vulnerable to detection and interception.
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Providing close air support to ground troops

In this scenario, the Mohajer-6's precision-guided munitions and shorter range make it a better choice for providing close air support. The Shahed-149 Gaza's longer range and advanced sensors make it more suitable for strategic missions.
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Complementary Use

The Mohajer-6 and Shahed-149 Gaza can be used in a complementary manner, with the Mohajer-6 providing tactical reconnaissance and close air support, and the Shahed-149 Gaza providing strategic reconnaissance and precision strike capabilities.

Overall Verdict

The Mohajer-6 and Shahed-149 Gaza are both capable UCAVs, but they have different strengths and weaknesses. The Mohajer-6 is better suited for tactical missions, while the Shahed-149 Gaza is more suitable for strategic missions. The choice between the two systems will depend on the specific mission requirements and the operational environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the range of the Mohajer-6?

The Mohajer-6 has a range of approximately 200 km.

What is the speed of the Shahed-149 Gaza?

The Shahed-149 Gaza has a speed of approximately 250 km/h.

What is the cost of the Mohajer-6?

The cost of the Mohajer-6 is estimated to be around $500,000.

What is the payload capacity of the Shahed-149 Gaza?

The Shahed-149 Gaza has 13 hardpoints and can carry a variety of precision-guided munitions.

What is the difference between the Mohajer-6 and Shahed-149 Gaza?

The Mohajer-6 is a tactical reconnaissance and combat drone, while the Shahed-149 Gaza is a medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) UCAV. The Shahed-149 Gaza has a longer range, advanced sensors, and a larger payload capacity than the Mohajer-6.

Related

Sources

Iran's Drone Program Center for Strategic and International Studies academic
The Shahed-149 Gaza: Iran's New MALE UCAV The Aviationist journalistic
Mohajer-6: Iran's Tactical Reconnaissance and Combat Drone Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance official
Iranian Military Drones Federation of American Scientists academic

Related Topics

Shahed-149 Gaza PrSM (Precision Strike Missile) MQ-9 Reaper ATACMS Pantsir-S1 Emad

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