Iran upgrades Hadid 110 drone for stealth and speed against U.S. defenses

Iran has significantly upgraded its Hadid 110 suicide drone, creating a formidable new weapon designed to penetrate American air defenses. The enhanced version boasts a turbojet engine, enabling it to reach speeds exceeding 500 km/h, making it Iran's fastest drone. This speed drastically reduces the reaction time for enemy air defense systems.

Beyond its speed, the Hadid 110 features a design aimed at evading radar. Its air intake hides the engine's fan blades, and its exterior is coated with radar-absorbent material. The drone carries a 30 kg warhead and has an operational range of approximately 350 kilometers, suitable for striking targets near Iran's coast.

While Iran claims the drone is entirely domestically produced, this development is crucial for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Facing international sanctions that limit access to advanced foreign technology, Iran's ability to develop such systems domestically is a significant political and military statement. The advancement also strengthens the IRGC's position within Iran's military hierarchy, as it controls the country's drone and ballistic missile programs.