Iran announces supplying army with over 200 ‘strategic’ drones

State media says long-range unmanned aircraft can carry different types of missiles and has electronic warfare systems

By AFP 20 April 2023, 6:51 pm
Illustrative: Iranian Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces Gen. Mohammad Hossein Bagheri, left, and Commander of the Army Gen. Abdolrahim Mousavi visit an underground drone base tunnel of the Army in the heart of the country's western Zagros Mountains, May 28, 2022. (Iranian Army via AP)

TEHRAN, Iran — Iran’s defense ministry has delivered to the army more than 200 new drones equipped with missile capabilities and electronic warfare systems, state media reported on Thursday.

In a ceremony broadcast on television, Iranian Defense Minister Mohammad-Reza Ashtiani handed over “more than 200 long-range strategic drones” to army chief Abdolrahim Mousavi, the official news agency IRNA said.

Produced by the Iranian defense ministry, the drones are designed for reconnaissance and strike missions, and can carry air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles, IRNA said.

The United States and the European Union have sanctioned Iran over its drone program, alleging it had supplied Russia with unmanned aerial vehicles for its war on Ukraine — a charge Tehran denies.

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