Iran develops new domestically-build suicide drone

The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Ground Force has developed a new domestically-build suicide drone which can destroy targets within a range of 450 kilometers. IRGC General Kouhestani stated that the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), dubbed Me’raj 532, with a piston engine has a one-way range of 450 kilometers.

The kamikaze drone, which designed and manufactured by young Iranian experts, he added, is capable of flying up to a height of 12,000 feet for 3 hours and taking off from a vehicle. “With its 50-kilogram warhead, the drone can hit the desired targets with high accuracy. 

Additionally, the drone’s design is of the easy set-up type, reducing the time of its preparation and increasing the speed of reaction and use,” Kouhestani continued.

 

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.

 

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.