WANA (Aug 19) – An American aerospace company has unveiled a new drone whose similarities to Iranian models have sparked fresh debate about the influence of Iran’s military technology on Western designs.

 

According to Interesting Engineering, Griffon Aerospace has introduced the MQM-172 Arrowhead, an unmanned aerial vehicle that bears a remarkable resemblance—both in appearance and mission profile—to Iran’s well-known Shahed drone.

 

In the company’s official promotion, the Arrowhead is described as a dual-purpose platform: a target drone for military training exercises that can also be configured as a loitering munition. This dual role has long been a defining feature of Iranian drones, particularly the Shahed family.

 

The Arrowhead is capable of carrying a payload of about 45 kilograms and, depending on the mission, can be fitted with reconnaissance equipment or an explosive warhead. These specifications echo technologies that Iran not only developed years ago but has also deployed extensively in real-world battlefields.

 

Interestingly, this is not the first time the United States has developed systems resembling Iranian loitering munitions. One example is the LUCAS project (Low-Cost Unmanned Combat Aerial System), designed specifically to simulate and train against drone threats. Now, with the introduction of the Arrowhead, a second U.S. system inspired by Iran’s Shahed appears to have entered the stage.

 

This trend raises a serious question for military analysts: Is the United States, in confronting the emerging challenges of drone warfare, being forced to adopt elements of Iranian technology?

An Iranian drone is seen during the National Army Day parade ceremony in Tehran, Iran, April 18, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)