The Iranian Army took delivery of more than 200 domestically-manufactured strategic drones which have been designed to carry out a broad range of missions, including reconnaissance, surveillance and aerial combat operations against moving and fixed targets.

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, Fars News Agency (FNA) reported.

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.

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, Major General Baqeri stated that “the drones that we saw today can play such a role”.