The recent events, including the attacks on the merchant vessel Chem Pluto in the Arabian Sea, the Hamas raid on Israel, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and Houthi attacks in the Gulf of Aden, have highlighted a common factor: the use of cheap unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) manufactured by Iran’s regime. Despite Iran’s isolation and heavy sanctions, it has emerged as a pioneer in drone warfare, strategically positioning itself as a formidable drone superpower.
In the 1980s, during the Iran-Iraq war, the regime recognized the need for cost-effective reconnaissance solutions, leading to the development of drones like the Ababil 1 and Mohajer 1. The realization of the human and financial costs of directly engaging US forces in the US Navy’s operation Praying Mantis prompted Iran to heavily invest in its indigenous drone program. Collaborations with nations like China and Russia played a crucial role in achieving technological advancements.
Today, Iran has one of the world’s most advanced drone programs, specializing in small yet highly effective UAVs. While Western drones like the MQ-9B Reaper cost $100 million, Iranian drones like the Shahed 129 only cost around $1-5 million. Iran possesses at least 10 different models of suicide drones, varying in size and range. The Arash series, Iran’s largest suicide drone, can carry 260 kg of explosives to targets as far away as 2,000 km.
In addition to suicide drones, Iran has developed over a dozen models of combat drones capable of attacking or reconnoitering ground, sea, or air targets. The Shahed 149, one of the larger combat drones, can carry up to 500 kg of payload and operate within ranges of up to 2,000 km. Iran’s export of drones to allied powers has redefined regional power dynamics, with active involvement in conflicts worldwide.
Despite facing limitations in conventional armaments and lagging behind adversaries in military capabilities, Iran poses a threat to global peace and regional stability. Sanctions and an international embargo have hindered the country’s access to upgraded systems and cutting-edge technology.
Recognizing the futility of seeking military parity, Iran has pursued alternative strategies to defend itself and promote its ideological agenda, including investments in UAVs. These drones offer Iran an additional means to project power beyond its borders, posing a significant threat to global peace.
Iran has not only developed its own UAV capabilities but has also supplied UAV systems to proxy groups, further undermining regional stability and challenging global peace. Drones represent Iran’s rapidly advancing air capability, playing a crucial role in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations.
Over the past decade, Iran has intensified efforts to develop weaponized UAV systems and enhance the versatility of its ISR drones. The proliferation of Iranian drones and their use by proxy groups have been observed in conflicts across the Middle East, targeting both military and civilian infrastructure.
Recent advancements in Iran’s drone program have elevated their capabilities, posing a significant challenge to regional security and global stability. Concerns about potential drone swarm attacks have also arisen, as Iran conducts experiments with coordinated drone deployments to overwhelm enemy defenses.
Addressing the growing threat posed by Iran’s drone program requires a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach. International cooperation is vital in dealing with the challenges presented by Iran’s drone superpower status.
