Iran unveils new Gaza drone in Qatar, raising alarm for Israel

Iran recently showcased a new unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) at a weapons exhibition in Qatar, boasting a range of 2,000 kilometers, enough to potentially target Israel.

Originally dubbed "Gaza" during its 2021 developmental phase, the drone, an upgraded version of the Shahed-129, was unveiled with significant enhancements, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The revamped UAV can climb to an impressive altitude of 35,000 feet (10,668 meters) and features a wingspan exceeding 20 meters. Notably, it has a payload capacity of up to 13 bombs, a notable increase compared to its predecessor's capacity of four.

The Wall Street Journal underscores the significance of this unveiling taking place in Qatar rather than Iran, suggesting Iran's growing self-perception as an arms exporter despite international sanctions.

While previously Iranian weaponry primarily reached Tehran's allies like the Yemeni Houthis and Hezbollah, Iran now aims to tap into the broader international arms market, leveraging the affordability of its weapons systems to offset any perceived quality deficiencies.