Griffon Aerospace unveils the MQM-172 Arrowhead drone for defense tests

On August 17, 2025, US Griffon Aerospace showcased the MQM-172 Arrowhead drone during the Maneuver and Fires Integration Experiment (MFIX) 2025 held at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. This new multi-role drone has been engineered to function as a versatile platform for testing various defense systems, demonstrating features similar to Iran's Shahed-136 design that has been prominently deployed by Russia in Ukraine. The unveiling comes amid increasing scrutiny of such drones, emphasizing the need for updated military strategies against these evolving threats. The MQM-172 Arrowhead is notable for its modular design, which enables rapid payload integration for diverse tasks, including electronic warfare, surveillance, and strike capabilities. It effectively functions as a flexible test platform aimed at target training for air defense systems, potentially even evolving into a loitering munition. Griffon Aerospace highlighted the cost efficiency of the drone, underscoring its practical applications in testing and training contexts. Potentially capable of carrying payloads up to 45 kilograms, the Arrowhead can support an array of sensors or warheads customized to meet specific mission requirements. Its delta-wing configuration resembles the Shahed drones utilized by Russian forces, a design that analysts point out has proven effective in recent conflict scenarios. However, Griffon Aerospace clarified that the Arrowhead is not meant for direct combat but rather serves as a tool for enhancing the US military's understanding and countering capabilities against drone systems similar to those from Iran. As the US military continues its efforts to advance both offensive and defensive technologies in response to the challenges posed by the use of Shahed-type drones in warfare, the introduction of the MQM-172 Arrowhead strengthens these initiatives. The expansion of unmanned aerial systems in dynamic battlefield environments highlights an ongoing arms race in drone technology, necessitating innovations such as the Arrowhead for testing and training across various mission profiles.