TEHRAN -- The Iranian army has unveiled an underground base for its military drones, with the country’s most senior military commander visiting.
National TV said 100 drones were being kept in the heart of the Zagros mountains, including Ababil-5, which it said were fitted with Qaem-9 missiles, an Iranian-made version of air-to-surface U.S. Hellfire.
“No doubt the drones of Islamic Republic of Iran’s armed forces are the region’s most powerful,” Army commander Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi said. “Our capability to upgrade drones is unstoppable,” he added.
The national TV correspondent said he had made the helicopter flight on Thursday from Kermanshah in western Iran to a secret underground drone site. He was allowed to take blindfolds off only upon arrival at the base, he said.
TV footage showed rows of drones fitted with missiles in a tunnel, which it said was several hundred meters underground.
Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Baqeri got a first-hand account of the Army’s capabilities in developing different types of military, combat and long-range drones during the visit.
The Iranian Army also unveiled two new military achievements for the first time during the top commander’s visit to the secret base, called the strategic drone base 313.
The first achievement, Heidar 1 cruise missile, has a range of 200 kilometers and a top speed of 1,000 km/h when hitting a target. It is the first cruise missile capable of being launched from a drone.
The Army also unveiled Heidar 2 cruise drone, which can be mounted on a helicopter.
Addressing a number of Army commanders and activists in the field of designing and manufacturing drones, Baqeri said Iran will never underestimate threats and will always remain vigilant.
He highlighted the significance of drones in modern combats, and said the Iranian Army has a precise understanding of what is required for future battles and has equipped itself with new methods and military equipment.
The top commander said drones are becoming more important in methods of battle in various defensive, offensive, ground, naval, air defense, reconnaissance, surveillance, electronic warfare, and dozens of other operations.
Iran, he said, is currently producing all equipment needed for manufacturing drones.
“In fact, in each case, we have to examine the possible combat scene
with a wise, precise and impartial war game ... and if we come to the conclusion that we need some changes, we must enter [the scene of battle] bravely,” he said.
During a visit to the strategic drone base 313, General Mousavi said the armed forces are now capable of manufacturing all they require to defend the country and conduct their missions.
“Our efforts to upgrade our combat power, including drone capability, cannot be stopped,” he added.
He said the Iranian Army has displayed only a fraction of its drone capability, and emphasized that the policy of the Chiefs of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces is to safeguard the country’s independence and territory and establish security for the Iranian people in the face of possible threats.