Army Equipped With New Drones
IRAN NEWS NATIONAL DESK
TEHRAN – Iran’s defense ministry has made mass delivery of new combat and surveillance drones, including a jet-powered multipurpose UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) to Army’s Air force and Air Defense Force.
The event took place during an official ceremony at the Iran Aviation Industries Organization (IAIO) in Isfahan with the presence of Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami and other senior military officials, a day after Iran’s Army Day.
Speaking during the ceremony, Hatami said that the multipurpose jet-powered UAV could travel at speeds of 900 kmph and conduct operations at an altitude of 12 kilometers.
He added that the drone can fly for up to 180 minutes and have a range of 1000 kilometers.
The drones can fly up to 40,000-45,000 feet that is considered a good flight altitude, he noted, adding that they can operate within a radius of 1,500 kilometers. “These drones will help to have a safer Iran and perform air defense operations with more power,” he highlighted.
During the ceremony, a large contingent of Ababil 3 and Karar drones was also delivered to the Air force.
Speaking about the Ababil-3 drone, Hatami said that the drone is a medium-range surveillance craft capable of conducting airstrikes within a 150 kilometer radius.
He also said that the Karar drone is a strategic combat drone which can deliver payloads comparable to manned aircraft.
He added that the drone has pin-point attack capability and can be used in suicide attacks.
Iran has taken great strides seeking to attain self-sufficiency in producing essential military equipment and defense systems in the face of decades-long US sanctions and arms embargoes on the country.
Earlier this month, Iran announced that it is planning to produce a 6,000 ton destroyer later this year.
Navy Commander Rear Admiral Hossein Khanzadi says Iran plans to build nuclear-powered submarines given the growing threats facing the country from the sea.
According to a statement by Iran’s Navy commander last week, Iran is also considering the development of nuclear-powered submarines.
