Mass delivery of the new strategic, sea-based and vertical launch drones took place in a ceremony in some parts of the country on Thursday in the presence of top military brass, including Chief Commander of the Army Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, Defense Minister Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Ashtiani, and Deputy of Chief of Staff for the Armed Forces Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh.

The new anti-radar drones have different missions of reconnaissance, destruction, combat reconnaissance, aerial interception, and hitting mobile and fixed targets with a low radar cross-section.

With changes in the propulsion, guidance, control and navigation systems, the drones have been equipped with various types of air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles, smart air-based standoff bombs, and an electronic warfare system.

The new features have turned the drones into long-range, stealth aircraft that can carry out special operations.

Iran has in recent years gained significant progress in developing surveillance and combat drones. Military officials say Tehran is self-sufficient in building drones from their fuselage to various subsystems and engines, adding the country’s Armed Forces are equipped and ready to carry out any type of drone operations and missions. Tehran stresses its drone capability is non-negotiable. 

Back in late May, Iran showed off an underground drone base where a range of advanced drones were housed and operated for potential combat and other missions. 

During his visit, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Baqeri underscored that the pilotless aircraft have enhanced Iran's deterrence power.

He underlined the significance of drones in defending the country's interests, and added that they have found a special place in different defensive, offensive, land, sea, air and air defense areas.  

Noting that deterrence is not possible with old methods and equipment and requires new methods, Maj. Gen. Baqeri stated that “the drones that we saw today can play such a role”.

The Islamic Republic’s military doctrine holds that the country’s armed capability solely serves defensive purposes.

Iranian military experts and technicians have in recent years made substantial headway in manufacturing a broad range of indigenous equipment, making the armed forces self-sufficient in the weaponry sphere.

Iranian officials have repeatedly stressed that the country will not hesitate to boost its military capabilities, including its missile and drone power, which are entirely meant for defense, and that Iran’s defense capabilities will never be subject to negotiation.