Iranian state media said on Wednesday that the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) had “delivered sophisticated indigenous kamikaze aircraft and combat unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with cutting-edge technology suitable for operations against enemy targets.” Reported.
According to Iran’s Press TV, Revolutionary Guards commanders attended a ceremony on Tuesday and unveiled their latest drone, the Shahed-131, an upgraded version of two designs that have posed a serious threat to Iran’s domestic drone industry. and obtained Ababil-5.
The Shahed drone is a “suicidal” or “kamikaze” design, intended to fly explosives to a target and then detonate them.Iran Admitted In November 2022, it supplied Russia with a large number of Shahed drones to attack targets in Ukraine. Iran also provided Shahid models to Houthi terrorists in Yemen, who used them to: attack Merchant ships in the Red Sea.
Press TV excitedly reported that Shahed 131 featured prominently in an exercise simulating Iran conducting a “precision strike” to destroy an Israeli nuclear power plant.
The Ababil-5 drone was rolled out in April 2022. attack drone In line with the US-made Predator UAV. Iranian drones can carry up to six missiles and bombs and have a range of about 480 kilometers.
Iranian state media claimed In October 2023, Ababil V was able to track a US guided missile destroyer in the Indian Ocean, apparently without being detected or intercepted. PressTV said the latest version of the Ababil drone can carry heavier payloads with more powerful wings and has a smaller radar signal thanks to its retractable landing gear.
“Iran’s military experts and engineers have made remarkable progress in recent years in producing a wide range of domestic equipment, making the army self-sufficient,” Press TV gushed.
US Treasury imposed In early February, new sanctions were imposed on Iranian ballistic missile and unmanned aircraft programs, particularly against Chinese companies accused of providing advanced electronic components to Iran.
Brian E. Nelson, Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, said at the time of the sanctions, “Iran’s continued proliferation of advanced conventional weapons, including unmanned aerial vehicles and missiles, targeting U.S. military personnel remains a serious threat to the region.” It is a serious threat to the stability of the country.” imposed.
