Iran unveils drone conversion of contentious fighter jet
Iran has converted its controversial Qaher F-313 fighter jet into a drone, reports Ukrainian portal Defense Express. The aircraft is contentious due to its history — it has been in development for several years but has never been observed flying.
In 2013, Iran unveiled the fifth-generation Qaher F-313 fighter jet, which sparked considerable scepticism. It was claimed to surpass American models, but experts doubted its capabilities, including carrying two 1-tonne bombs and six PL-12 missiles, according to the report.
It was supposed to be an aircraft
Photos of the cockpit with a speedometer calibrated up to 280 knots (about 515 km/h) and equipment typical of small civil aircraft also raised doubts. The issue with the Qaher F-313 jet was that it was never shown flying, only at exhibitions. In 2017, Iran's defence minister announced the completion of work on the aircraft, but in 2023, it was reported that it had been converted into a drone.
During the Kish International Airshow in December 2024, the unmanned version of the Qaher F-313 was showcased. It looked identical to the 2017 model, with two engines and the side number "08". Defense Express also points out that while the new Iranian drone moved on the runway, it did not display all its capabilities, as it did not even take off.
An aircraft that raises controversy
The Qaher F-313 is an Iranian fighter jet that has been controversial for years. Although presented as an advanced stealth aircraft, it has been subject to numerous technical doubts and criticism from experts. The lack of public flight demonstrations and the disproportionate dimensions of the aircraft suggest it may have been merely a demonstrative model.
The specific specifications of the aforementioned Qaher F-313 aircraft are not known. Its peculiar design raises doubts about the tasks the machine is supposed to perform. Notably, the placement of air intakes, the concealing of engine exhaust nozzles within the fuselage structure, and the thick-wing profile are noteworthy. All these elements suggest that the aircraft will not be able to reach supersonic speeds. It is also unclear where the armaments (two 1-tonne bombs) or guided missiles are to be carried.
