Meraj-521

The Meraj-521 is an Iranian man-portable loitering munition unveiled by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Ground Forces during an exercise in north-western Iran between 17 and 20 October 2022. Its configuration mirrors that of the American AeroVironment Switchblade 300, differing principally in its square rather than circular cross-section. It is fielded by IRGC rapid-reaction units for use against infantry and light vehicles at ranges of up to 5 km.

Design

The munition is stored and transported in a square-section launch tube and ejected by compressed air in the manner of a mortar, with the wings, vertical stabilisers and pusher propeller deploying after leaving the tube. It is sized for backpack carriage by a single soldier. Length is about 75 cm, forward wingspan about 75 cm and rear wingspan about 1 m; launch weight has not been disclosed by the manufacturer. Quoted performance figures are a range of 5 km, endurance of 5 to 15 minutes and a flight altitude of around 150 m. The operator controls the munition from a portable ground control station fitted with a flip-up screen displaying the nose camera feed and control sticks, allowing the attack to be commanded or the target changed in flight.

Armament

Three warhead options are quoted: 500 g, 700 g and 1 kg. These are intended for use against infantry and light vehicles.

Operational History

Iranian media reported in late October 2022 that examples were bound for Russia. The type is in service with IRGC Ground Forces rapid-reaction units, including the Saberin Brigade. Iran is the only confirmed operator.