Iran Unveils Advanced Armed Drone with Operation Range to Reach Israel
Iran unveils the Mohajer-10 armed drone, resembling the MQ-9 Reaper, capable of reaching Israel with electronic warfare capabilities and a 660-pound bomb payload.
During a ceremony celebrating Iran's Defense Industry Day, the country unveiled a new armed drone called the Mohajer-10, which bears resemblance to America's MQ-9 Reaper. According to state media, the drone has an impressive operational range that can reach Israel.
The Mohajer-10 is equipped with electronic warfare and intelligence-gathering systems, and it can carry a bomb payload of up to 660 pounds. It can fly non-stop for 24 hours and reach a maximum speed of 130 mph. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, speaking on state television, proudly introduced the drone as a symbol of Iran's advanced technological capabilities.
🇮🇷The head of the Aviation Industry Organization of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran announced the presentation of the Kahir 313 drone (قاهر 313).
— Sprinter (@Sprinter99800) August 21, 2023
Kahir 313 is one of the most daring and ambitious projects of Iranian military engineers.
The Qahir 313 is also a… pic.twitter.com/ylB6BYApyt
Footage shared by IRNA showed the drone spinning on a moving platform with smoke emanating from underneath it. Although the authenticity of the footage was not independently verified, it showcased the drone's impressive capabilities.
The Mohajer-10 is part of a drone line that Iran has been manufacturing since 1985. In the past, Iran has captured U.S. drones or pieces of them, but there is no evidence that they have taken a General Atomics' Reaper. North Korea has previously showcased drones resembling the Reaper, possibly designed using publicly available information.
Israel, which operates its own long-range, high endurance drones, has not yet responded to Iran's new drone. The Reaper holds special significance for Iran, as it was reportedly used in the 2020 strike in Baghdad that killed Qassem Soleimani, a top Iranian general. Iran has also been involved in the supply of drones to Russia for its war in Ukraine.
In addition to the drone unveiling, Iran also announced that it has provided two types of ballistic missiles to its army and the Guard. One of the missiles was named after Soleimani.
Iran has been actively developing and showcasing its drone capabilities, and while it remains unclear how they have been used in combat, Iran's advancements in drone technology cannot be ignored.
