Russia Seeking Iran’s Help in Making Long-Range Drones: Top Officer
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Hossein Baqeri said Russia is seeking Iran’s assistance to acquire the technology to manufacture long-range pilotless aircraft.
Speaking in an academic meeting in Tehran on Sunday, the senior commander highlighted Iran’s progress in developing long-range Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) that can detect and hit a target with an area of only one square meter.
Only one or two countries in the world have gained the technology to produce such drones, Major General Baqeri noted, adding that Russia is “seriously seeking Iran’s help” to acquire the technology to produce long-range UAVs.
According to the commander, the US has also the knowledge to make such drones, saying it has provided Israelis with the technology as well.
On Thursday, Lieutenant Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Brigadier General Hossein Salami said Iran has “cutting-edge technical expertise” in making drones, comparable to big powers like the US, Russia and China.
Iranian homegrown pilotless aircraft are capable of carrying out missions in distances as far as 3,000 kilometers from the Iranian borders, taking images, performing military operations and firing rockets and missiles, he said.
Back in June, IRGC Navy Commander Rear Admiral Ali Fadavi described drones as one of the crucial factors contributing to the capabilities of his forces.
Iran is now in possession of a broad range of UAVs which can be used for both civilian and military purposes.