News / Defense

Iran’s Army stages large-scale drone drill, showcases achievements

Tuesday, 05 January 2021 9:43 AM [ Last Update: Tuesday, 05 January 2021 3:27 PM ]

Iran’s Army launches a large-scale drone exercise in Semnan Province on January 5, 2021.

Iran’s Army has launched a large-scale drill involving hundreds of combat drones belonging to the Ground, Navy and Air Defense Forces.

The two-day exercise, which began on Tuesday, is taking place in the northern province of Semnan.

Army Deputy Commander for Operations Rear Admiral Mahmoud Mousavi said the Islamic Republic is today one of the world’s most powerful countries in the field of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

“During the Army’s large-scale exercise, different types of drone systems in the Army’s Ground, Air Defense, Air and Navy Forces will perform defined missions in real combat conditions,” he added.

The commander also said that the operational part of the drill will feature the widespread use of kamikaze drones as well as the aerial interception and destruction of targets by air-to-air missiles, along with the destruction of ground targets with bombs and precision-guided missiles.

Navy drones, he noted, would practice flying from vessels in the southern waters of the country, while long-range kamikaze drones would drill precision strikes on vital targets in the depth of the enemy territory.

Iran among world's top five drone powers: IRIAF commander

A senior Iranian commander says the country is among the world

The participating drone units would also monitor land, air and sea borders, Mousavi said, adding that an exhibition would be held on the sidelines of the drill, showcasing the Army’s new achievements in the field of drones.

Separately on Tuesday, Deputy Chief of the Iranian Army Brigadier General Mohammad Hossein Dadras said the main message of the exercise is the establishment of peace and security in the region without the need for foreign presence or intervention.

“The Army of the Islamic Republic of Iran regularly upgrades its equipment and holds specialized exercises and combat trainings in accordance with the threats posed by extra-regional countries and enemies,” he said.

“Despite the cruel sanctions of the sworn enemies of the Islamic establishment, the capabilities and perseverance of Iran's youth have led us to reach a stage of self-sufficiency in the field of production of new equipment that can compete with those of the developed countries.”

Iran has taken great strides seeking to attain self-sufficiency in producing essential military equipment and defense systems in the face of decades-long sanctions and arms embargoes on the country.

The Islamic Republic produces a wide variety of advanced weapons systems and equipment based on its own technological capabilities.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk