Press TV – April 18, 2020
Iran’s defense ministry has made mass delivery of new combat and surveillance drones, including a jet-powered multipurpose UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) to Army’s Air force and Air Defense Force.
The event took place during an official ceremony at the Iran Aviation Industries Organization (IAIO) in Isfahan with the presence of Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami and other senior military officials, a day after Iran’s Army Day.
Speaking during the ceremony, Hatami said that the multipurpose jet-powered UAV could travel at speeds of 900 kph and conduct operations at an altitude of 12 kilometers.
He added that the drone can fly for up to 180 minutes and have a range of 1000 kilometers.
Mass delivery of Ababil 3 and Karar drones
During the ceremony, a large contingent of Ababil 3 and Karar drones was also delivered to the Air force.
Speaking about the Ababil-3 drone, Hatami said that the drone is a medium-range surveillance craft capable of conducting airstrikes within a 150 kilometer radius.
He also said that the Karar drone is a strategic combat drone which can deliver payloads comparable to manned aircraft.
He added that the drone has pin-point attack capability and can be used in suicide attacks.
Iran has taken great strides seeking to attain self-sufficiency in producing essential military equipment and defense systems in the face of decades-long US sanctions and arms embargoes on the country.
Earlier this month, Iran announced that it is planning to produce a 6,000 ton destroyer later this year.
According to a statement by Iran’s Navy commander last week, Iran is also considering the development of nuclear-powered submarines.