Subject: Proposal to Add Iranian UAVs and a Full Iran Tech Tree to War Thunder
Dear Gaijin Developers and War Thunder Community,
I would like to put forward a serious and exciting suggestion: the addition of Iranian UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) and, in the longer term, a dedicated Iranian tech tree to War Thunder. This would introduce a unique gameplay element to high-BR ground and air battles, while also representing one of the most important and rapidly evolving fields of modern warfare: drones.
Why Iranian UAVs?
Iran is widely recognized as one of the most prolific developers and operators of UAVs in the world. From small loitering munitions to long-endurance MALE UCAVs and stealth designs, Iran has fielded a wide spectrum of systems. Many of these drones have seen real-world combat use, which gives Gaijin a solid historical and technical foundation to implement them.
Including Iranian UAVs would:
- Diversify late-game content with vehicles unlike any other already in War Thunder.
- Introduce new mechanics (loitering munitions, swarm attacks, reconnaissance payloads).
- Provide counterplay opportunities for SPAA, SAM systems, and EW measures.
- Expand gameplay beyond traditional jets and tanks, adding depth for modern warfare scenarios.
Examples of Iranian UAVs Suitable for War Thunder
- Shahed-136 (Geran-2) — loitering munition/kamikaze drone, ~30–50 kg HE warhead, swarm capability. Perfect as a limited spawn high-BR strike asset.
- Mohajer-6 — tactical UCAV, 2× light guided bombs/munitions, ISR role, vulnerable to AA but effective for precision strikes.
- Shahed-129 — MALE UCAV comparable to MQ-1 Predator, long endurance and guided munition capability.
- Shahed-131 — smaller loitering munition, cheaper to spawn, less destructive than Shahed-136.
- Shahed-171 “Simorgh” — stealth UAV modeled after RQ-170 Sentinel, ISR/strike hybrid.
- Shahed-191 (Saegheh) — stealth strike UAV, carries precision-guided bombs.
- Shahed-149 “Gaza” — large MALE UCAV, comparable in role to MQ-9 Reaper.
- Ababil-3 / Ababil-5 — light ISR/strike drones for mid-BR gameplay.
- Kaman-22 — large multi-role UCAV with high payload capacity.
- Arash series — long-range kamikaze drones (loitering munitions).
- Fotros — MALE UCAV with long endurance, advanced ISR and guided munitions.
- Karrar — multipurpose drone, used as both target and strike platform.
This variety ensures that Iran has a complete progression line — from early, simple drones to advanced stealth UCAVs.
Gameplay Balance
Of course, balance is essential. Suggested mechanics:
- High spawn cost for kamikaze drones to prevent spam.
- Vulnerability to AA and SAM systems (e.g., SPAA can intercept them easily).
- Limited numbers per team to avoid overwhelming battles.
- Recon bonus mechanics: ISR drones can mark enemies for allies and gain RP/SL.
- Electronic warfare (jamming) could be a future countermeasure, giving more depth.
This ensures drones add tactical variety without breaking the game.
Why a Full Iran Tech Tree?
Adding a separate Iranian tech tree would give Gaijin room to place these drones in a logical progression, alongside other indigenous vehicles (ground vehicles, missiles, aircraft). Iran’s extensive domestic defense industry provides plenty of authentic vehicles for such a tree, and UAVs would be its highlight. Players are always excited when a new nation is introduced — it creates hype, discussion, and renewed interest in the game.
Player Reception
There is no doubt that the War Thunder player base would enthusiastically welcome these additions. Drones are at the center of modern warfare and regularly in global news headlines. Players are constantly asking for more modern and futuristic content, and Iranian UAVs — from the famous Shahed-136 loitering munition to stealthy Mohajer and Shahed UCAVs — would immediately spark interest. The ability to spawn drones, guide them onto targets, or perform reconnaissance will create entirely new gameplay experiences that no current vehicle can replicate.
Simply put: players will love this content. It adds something new, unique, and different to War Thunder, keeping the game fresh and exciting.
Sources
- Wikipedia: Iranian Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
- USIP: Iran’s Drone Roster
- [GlobalSecurity / MilitaryFactory listings]
Conclusion
By adding Iranian UAVs and eventually a full Iran tech tree, Gaijin can expand War Thunder into the next era of modern combat. These systems are real, combat-proven, and highly relevant. They would give players new strategies, new counterplay, and a new nation to master.
Thank you for considering this proposal. I am confident the community will greatly appreciate and support the inclusion of Iranian UAVs in War Thunder.
Sincerely,
[mohammad / amo_panahi1]