The Iranian Shahed-136 UAV is the main suicide UAV in Iran’s “UAV Army.” Iran and its Middle Eastern proxies operate this UAV. For several months, it has been utilized as a primary weapon in Russian operations on European soil, specifically against Ukrainian territory. According to our earlier publications and other reports, Iranian UAVs operate in Africa and Central America (Venezuela), providing operational access to the United States.
According to our information (initial data can be seen at Labdookhtegan), the following Iranian civilian companies may be affiliated with the IRGC. They may be involved in the production and development of parts for the Shahed 136 suicide drone:
Shakad Sanat Asmari Company, also known as Chekad Sanat Faraz Asia Company. It has been registered in Iran since 2013 and operates from Fatir Square in Tehran. The company, which appears to be run by the IRGC, specializes in manufacturing aviation components and the like. The majority of its clients are from the Iranian aviation industry. Through foreign people, the corporation also invests in other businesses and projects, such as construction, services, commerce, and management, both inside and outside of Iran. These are likely real estate investments.
Hadi Zahourian is the current CEO of Shakad, and Mohammad Shahab Khanian is his deputy. Ehsan Rahat Varnosfadrani was the company’s initial CEO and is now its chief scientist. He released an article in 2022 (1402 Persian Calendar) discussing the development of a new system that assists the pilot in controlling light aircraft.
Daria Fanawar Burhan Sharif (also known as Saad Sazeh Faraz Sharif Company) is owned by Daria Fanawar Burhan Sharif. The company’s CEO is Ehsan Imaninejad. The company, which appears to be affiliated with the IRGC, specializes in the manufacture of components and electronic circuits and the development of optical systems and communication systems.
Established in 2016, the company is based in Tehran at 9 Shughan Street. Saba Hassanpour is one of the directors working under Imaninigad, and two board members are also identified as Mohammad Hossein Suleiman Biki and Seyyed Mahdi Alwa.
We do not know whether sanctions have been imposed on these companies or the officials mentioned above. During the data collection process, we discovered that these two companies alter their names frequently, a practice we’ve seen with other IRGC-connected companies. These companies may also be known by identities other than those listed in this document.
