Iran kicks off large-scale drone drill across country.
During the exercise, Iran unveiled its new Kaman-19 drone
Iran launched a massive drone exercise across the country on 3 October, spanning the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.
The drill featured 200 drones, including the Iranian military’s new Kaman-19 drone, which was unveiled during the wargame.
Performed by the Ground Force, Navy, Air Force, and Air Defense Force of the army, the exercise is being held all over Iran, from the Persian Gulf waters to the northern regions, reported Tasnim News Agency.
Combat, patrol, and reconnaissance drones carried out missions along the country’s borders so that assessments of their capabilities could be made.
A day earlier, Deputy chief of the Iranian Army for Coordination Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari, said that Iran's drone capabilities have reached a point where they can efficiently confront any potential threats from enemy countries.
“[Iran] has the absolute and prominent force in the field of air defense, undisputed in the region.” General Alireza Sabiha Fard also previously stated about the nation’s drone capabilities.
Iran has proven itself to be a substantial presence in the world of drone manufacturing. US officials have been quoted as saying that the Iranians are emerging as global leaders in cheap and lethal drone production.
The Iranian Shahed-136 drone garnered fame following its controversial emergence on the battlefield in Ukraine last year, making its way beyond the region and into the international drone manufacturing sphere.
Iran’s growing drone presence has seen its arms market expand, as several Iranian officials have mentioned that many countries have sought to purchase Iranian drones, namely the Shahed-136.
This is the second Iranian military drill to take place since 2 August, when Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) navy launched drills simulating the defense of the three disputed islands in the Persian Gulf.
August witnessed thousands of sailors, warships, and aircraft being deployed to the Persian Gulf during an escalation of tensions between Iran and the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet.
"Persian Gulf security is achieved through cooperation with neighboring countries, not with the American presence," Iran has said regarding the escalation of US military presence.
"Our nation is vigilant and responds harshly to all threats, complicated seditions, and secret scenarios and hostilities." IRGC General Hossein Salami said.
The body of water has been home to many drills by Iranian, GCC, and US forces, hosting thousands of naval fleets.