Iran unveiled its latest domestically manufactured drone, the “Mohajer-10,” on Aug. 22, during an event in Tehran attended by President Ebrahim Raisi.
The drone boasts extended flight duration, heightened altitude range, and enhanced weaponry, as per reports by state media.
President Raisi emphasized the nation’s resolve to defend itself against aggression, stating, “Our powerful armed forces will cut off any hand involved in aggression against Iran,” as conveyed by the semi-official Fars news agency.
“Yesterday, they viewed us as a consumer and a country in need. Today, they see us as a producer who can have much to say in the defense and military industries,” he said.
This advanced drone marks an upgrade from its predecessor, the “Mohajer-6,” which had drawn accusations from US officials who claimed Iran had supplied it to Russia for use in the Ukraine conflict. Iran, however, denied these allegations. The geopolitical tension resulted in increased sanctions on Iran, impacting the nation’s arms trade.
Features of Mohajer-10
- The Mohajer-10 exhibits impressive features, including a remarkable maximum flight duration of 24 hours at an altitude of 7,000 meters (23,000 feet).
- The drone has an operational range spanning 2,000 kilometers (1,242 miles), according to the official IRNA news agency.
- Its top speed reaches 210 kilometers per hour (130 miles per hour), while it incorporates advanced electronic and intelligence systems for improved capabilities.
The drone’s payload capacity has doubled compared to its precursor, allowing for a maximum cargo weight of 300 kilograms (660 pounds), enabling it to transport a variety of bombs and ammunition.
This represents a significant leap from the Mohajer-6, which had a payload of 150 kilograms and a flight duration of 12 hours. The Mohajer-10’s specifications also encompass an operational radius of 2,000 kilometers and a fuel capacity of 450 liters.
Strengthening the defense capacity
The unveiling of the Mohajer-10 signified Iran’s dedication to advancing its defense capabilities. The nation’s Defense Ministry has been actively working on the development of fifth-generation strategic drones as part of the “drone leap” initiative. This program encompasses advancements in artificial intelligence, electronic warfare, signal collection, and support.
The Defense Ministry also reported substantial progress in the production of solid-fuel ballistic missiles, air defense systems, and cruise missiles, indicating a significant boost in their capabilities.
Moreover, Iran’s expansion of its speedboat fleet by 30 percent demonstrates the nation’s multifaceted efforts to bolster its defense capabilities across various domains.
Amid geopolitical tensions involving the United States and Israel, Iran’s continuous advancements in drone and missile technologies have raised concerns and amplified global security debates. As Iran continues to develop its military capacities, international dynamics are likely to be affected, necessitating careful observation and analysis.