Shahed 171 Simorgh

The Shahed 171 Simorgh, also known as the S-171 and designated IRN-170 by the United States, is a jet-powered flying wing unmanned combat aerial vehicle built by Shahed Aviation Industries. Iran developed it by reverse engineering an American RQ-170 UAV captured in 2011, then adapting the design to carry guided missiles. It is one of two Iranian flying wing drones based on the RQ-170; the other is the smaller Saegheh, which is frequently mistaken for the Simorgh.

The name Simorgh comes from Persian, derived from the Middle Persian word sēnmurw, a benevolent bird in Persian mythology.

The airframe is a reverse-engineered copy of the RQ-170. Several variants exist, though their details are unknown.

One variant has been modified to serve as an armed UCAV, carrying four missiles. One author described it as a crude mock-up made mostly of fiberglass. The Simorgh was used with munitions during the 2020 Joint Exercise Zolfaghar 99.

According to the U.S. government, a company linked to Imam Hossein University—Paravar Pars Company—was involved in reverse engineering, research, development, and production of the Shahed 171.

As of 2014, two units were under construction. That same year, Iran stated it would have four in service by March 2015.

The UAV was first seen in May 2015, and Iranian television showed it in flight in October 2016. Jane's analysis placed the drone at Kashan Air Base. Some sources claim a Shahed 171 was shot down during the February 2018 Israel–Syria incident, but the aircraft involved was likely the very similar Saegheh.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Aerospace Force operates the Shahed 171.