From the Liveblog of
Tuesday, August 22, 2023
Iran unveils armed drone, claims it could potentially reach Israel
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TEHRAN — Iran’s Defense Ministry unveils a drone resembling America’s armed MQ-9 Reaper, claiming that the aircraft is capable of staying airborne for 24 hours and has the range to reach the country’s archenemy Israel.
Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency publishes a photograph of the drone, called the Mohajer-10, on display at a conference marking Defense Industry Day with what appeared to be smoke-machine fog underneath it.
“Mohajer” means “immigrant” in Farsi and has been a drone line manufactured by the Islamic Republic since 1985.
IRNA says the drone is able to fly at up to 24,000 feet with a speed of 210 kph (130 mph), carrying a bomb payload of up to 300 kilograms (660 pounds). It also says the drone could carry electronic surveillance equipment and a camera. Iran’s hardline President Ebrahim Raisi, a protégé of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is also on site viewing the drone.
“Today, we can firmly introduce Iran as an advanced and technologic nation to the world,” Raisi says in comments aired on state television.
He reiterates Iran’s stance about friendly relations with “all countries in the world,” adding that Iran’s armed forces will cut off any hand that will reaches out in an attempt to invade Iran, state TV reported.
The Times of Israel Community.