Qaher-313 (now called ‘Qaem’) project

Iran officially adds the IRIS ‘Shahid Baqeri’ drone & VTOL carrier to the IRGC Navy, in addition to newly revealed ‘Qaher-313’ stealth drones, a significant achievement

The Qaher-313 (now called ‘Qaem’) project started off several years ago in order to develop an indigenous stealth jet, but was abandoned in favor of a drone design.

Iran’s formal introduction of the IRIS Shahid Baqeri vessel and the Qaher-313 stealth drone, known as Qaem, expands IRGC Navy air and maritime assets. Iranian media outlets such as Tasnim and Fars News have quoted defense officials who emphasize engineering advances and local manufacturing success. Observers in Persian and Arabic defense circles note that the Qaher-313 concept began as a stealth jet prototype but transformed into an unmanned design after initial design hurdles.

IRIS Shahid Baqeri, recently listed as a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) carrier, reportedly measures around 65 meters and supports advanced UAV operations at sea. Iranian naval statements reference integrated flight decks and maintenance facilities suitable for launching multiple drones in rapid succession. Reports in local outlets mention modular add-ons for anti-ship missiles and close-in weapon systems, increasing deterrence in maritime patrols.

Qaher-313 features a slender fuselage and canted vertical tails intended to reduce radar visibility. Official images suggest a wingspan near 11 meters and a top speed approaching 300 knots. State sources claim potential armament packages that include guided bombs, air-to-surface missiles, or air-to-air intercept weapons. Some reports indicate usage of composite materials in the airframe for lower weight and reduced radar cross section. No widely verified flight tests have appeared in open sources.

Comparison of IRIS Shahid Baqeri and Qaher-313 (Qaem): | Feature                 | IRIS Shahid Baqeri                           | Qaher-313 (Qaem)                              | |————————-|———————————————-|———————————————–| | Type                    | VTOL Carrier                                 | Stealth Unmanned Aircraft                     | | Length/Wingspan         | Approx. 65 m length                          | Approx. 11 m wingspan                         | | Main Function           | Sea-based drone launch platform              | Strike, reconnaissance                        | | Speed                   | Estimated 25 knots (maritime)                | Approx. 300 knots (flight)                    | | Armament                | Potential anti-ship missiles and close-in weapons | Guided bombs, air-to-surface, or air-to-air missiles | | Special Design Traits   | Integrated flight deck, modular add-ons      | Low radar cross-section, composite materials  |

Estimated Range (Approx.): IRIS Shahid Baqeri: [######      ] ~1200 nautical miles sailing capacity
Qaher-313 (Qaem):   [##########] ~750 nautical miles flight radius

Payload Capacity (Approx.): IRIS Shahid Baqeri: [#####     ] 2–4 UAVs
Qaher-313 (Qaem):   [###       ] 2 precision bombs or missiles

Further integration of those systems suggests a broader maritime strategy, with the IRGC seeking to bolster deterrence and readiness in regional waters. Platforms such as IRIS Shahid Baqeri create a floating airbase for reconnaissance or strike missions, while Qaher-313 (Qaem) provides a stealth-oriented option for deeper penetration of adversary defenses. Persian and Arabic sources indicate ongoing testing before widespread deployment.