Iran's extensive development and proliferation of advanced weapon systems, including drones and missiles, have played a crucial role in shaping conflicts across the Middle East and beyond. This was prominently displayed during Iran's participation in Russia’s ARMY 2024 exhibition in Moscow from August 12 to 14, showcasing its latest military technologies.
These and other weapons, supplied to Iran's-led so-called Axis of Resistances, such as Hezbollah, the Houthis in Yemen, pro-Iranian militias in Iraq, and the Palestinian organizations, have not only bolstered the military capabilities of these non-state actors but have also significantly impacted the dynamics of the ongoing war in Ukraine. Iran’s strategic use and proliferation of these technologies underscore its growing malign influence in regional and global conflicts, posing severe challenges to regional international security and stability.
Iran unveiled the B1 one-way attack drone for the first time at Russia's ARMY 2024 exhibition, underscoring the growing military and Economic cooperation between Tehran and Moscow. This partnership, which has strengthened significantly in recent years, is driven by aligned geopolitical goals and shared adversaries.
The exhibition showcased Iran's advancements in drone and missile technology, reflecting the increasing integration of Iranian military capabilities into Russia's ongoing conflict in Ukraine :
1. B1 Suicide Drone:
Flight Duration: 25 minutes.
Range: 12 kilometers.
Payload: 2 kg warhead.
Speed: Approximately 100 km/h.
Guidance System: Likely GPS-based with manual targeting capabilities.
Operational Use: Designed for precision strikes on high-value targets or infrastructure, effective in asymmetrical warfare.
2. H5 Reconnaissance Quadcopter:
Range: Approximately 10-15 kilometers.
Endurance: Capable of sustained flight for up to 1 hour.
Payload: Equipped with high-resolution optical and infrared cameras for day and night operations.
Features: Real-time video transmission, GPS-enabled autonomous navigation, and potentially equipped with ECM (Electronic countermeasures) resistance.
3. SAR Radars:
Model 1: Range of 40 km.
Model 2: Range of 150 km.
Resolution: High-resolution imaging, suitable for reconnaissance and target acquisition.
Application: Mounted on UAVs like the Shahed 129, enabling it to operate in adverse weather conditions and at night.
Technology: Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology is used to provide detailed ground maps and detect moving targets.
4. Paveh Long-Range Cruise Missile:
Range: Estimated to be around 1,000-1,500 kilometers.
Warhead: Conventional, with potential for high-explosive or fragmentation payloads.
Guidance System: Advanced INS (Inertial Navigation System) coupled with GPS for mid-course guidance and terminal phase precision.
Speed: Subsonic, with an approximate speed of 800-900 km/h.
Launch Platform: Can be launched from various platforms, including ground-based launchers, naval vessels, and aircraft.
5. Toloue 4 Turbojet Engine:
Thrust: 3,450 Newtons.
Fuel Consumption: Specific fuel consumption of approximately 1.22 kg/kgf/hr.
Weight: Around 150 kg.
Dimensions: Length of approximately 1.1 meters and a diameter of 0.45 meters.
Applications: Primarily used in the Soumar and Hoveyzeh cruise missiles, as well as in advanced UAVs.
6. Arman Tactical Rocket Launcher:
Projectile Types:85 km range rocket: Equipped with an advanced guidance system for increased accuracy.
60 km range rocket: Designed for rapid deployment and saturation strikes.
Mobility: Mounted on high-mobility 8x8 trucks, capable of off-road operations.
Reload Time: Fast reloading capability, with each launcher capable of firing multiple rockets in rapid succession.
Operational Role: Provides a quick response to enemy positions, suitable for offensive and defensive operations.
7. Upgraded Zelzal Rockets:
Range: Increased to approximately 200-250 kilometers, depending on the variant.
Warhead: Typically, a high-explosive fragmentation warhead with a potential weight of up to 600 kg.
Guidance System: Basic models are unguided, but upgraded versions might include rudimentary INS for trajectory correction.
Platform: Launched from mobile truck-mounted platforms, allowing for quick relocation and reduced vulnerability to counter-battery fire.
8. Mohajer 10 Reconnaissance and Combat Drone:
Altitude: Can fly at altitudes up to 7 kilometers.
Range: Operational range of 2,000 kilometers.
Endurance: Capable of staying airborne for over 24 hours.
Payload Capacity: Up to 300 kg, can carry a combination of precision-guided munitions such as Almas anti-tank missiles and Qaem smart bombs.
Sensors: Equipped with electro-optical/infrared sensors, laser rangefinders, and target designators.
Features: Advanced avionics, autonomous operation capabilities, and resistance to electronic warfare (EW) tactics.
Iranian drones and missiles have played a crucial role in Russia's military strategy in Ukraine. The Shahed series of drones, including the Shahed-136 and Shahed-129, have been widely used by Russian forces for reconnaissance, target acquisition, and precision strikes. These drones have been particularly effective in kamikaze roles, where they are deployed to destroy high-value Ukrainian targets such as artillery positions, command centers, and supply depots. Their relatively low cost and ease of deployment have made them a valuable asset in Russia's war effort, allowing for sustained pressure on Ukrainian forces.
In addition to drones, Iranian missiles have also made a significant impact on the battlefield. For instance, the Fateh-110 and Zolfaghar short-range ballistic missiles have been reportedly supplied to Russian forces, enhancing their long-range strike capabilities. These missiles are known for their precision and destructive power and have been used to target critical Ukrainian infrastructure and military installations, further complicating Ukraine's defense efforts.
This cooperation between Iran and Russia has not only bolstered Russia's military capabilities in Ukraine but is also providing Iran with valuable operational experience and data. Based on the experience and knowledge gained, Iran can refine its weapons systems further and potentially incorporate them more intensively in future conflicts with the United States and Israel. The collaboration is indicative of a broader strategic alliance that is likely to continue shaping the dynamics of regional and global conflicts in the coming years.
Iranian weapon systems, primarily drones and various range missiles, are finding their way into conflict zones and war hotspots around the world. For many years, Iran has tested different weapon systems on the grounds of Yemen, primarily against Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states. Iran supplies drones and missiles to elements within the Axis of Resistance that it leads as part of its asymmetric warfare strategy against what it perceives as American and Israeli superiority.
Beyond Ukraine, Iran has been proliferating these advanced drone and missile technologies to its regional so-called "Axis of Resistance" allies, including the Houthis in Yemen and Hezbollah in Lebanon, thus enhancing their offensive capabilities in fighting Israel and disrupting world naval trade.
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