Iran Unveils Advanced Attack Drone with 2,500-Mile Range at Military Parade

On September 21, 2024, Iran held a significant military parade in Tehran, unveiling advanced weaponry and reaffirming its defensive stance. The event, part of the annual "sacred defense week," commemorated the 44th anniversary of the Iran-Iraq War, which began in 1980 and lasted until 1988, marking one of the longest conventional conflicts of the 20th century.

The centerpiece of the parade was the introduction of the upgraded Shahed-136B drone. This unmanned aerial vehicle boasts an impressive operational range of over 2,500 miles, nearly doubling the capabilities of its predecessors. The Shahed series, named after the Persian word for "witness" or "martyr," has gained notoriety for its use in various conflicts. These "kamikaze" drones, capable of carrying warheads up to 50kg, are designed to detonate upon impact with their targets.

Iran also revealed a new ballistic missile called "Jihad." Developed by the aerospace division of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), this solid-fuel missile reportedly has a range exceeding 600 miles. Solid-fuel propulsion systems offer advantages in stability and launch readiness compared to liquid-fuel alternatives.

The parade took place near the mausoleum of Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic and its first Supreme Leader. Formations of troops, armored vehicles, and various weapons systems were displayed, showcasing Iran's military prowess.

Masoud Pezeshkian, Iran's recently elected president, attended the event and delivered a speech emphasizing the nation's defensive capabilities. He stated:

"Today, our defensive and deterrent capabilities have grown so much that no demon even thinks about any aggression towards our dear Iran."

Pezeshkian also reiterated Iran's opposition to Israel, calling for unity among Islamic countries to confront what he termed the "bloodthirsty, genocidal usurper."

This military showcase comes amid heightened international tensions. Earlier this month, the United States, Britain, France, and Germany imposed new sanctions on Iran, alleging its provision of ballistic missiles to Russia for use in Ukraine. Iran has consistently denied these accusations, maintaining that its military developments are for defensive purposes only.

The parade also served as a reminder of Iran's direct military action against Israel on April 13, 2024, when it launched hundreds of Shahed drones and ballistic missiles in retaliation for an alleged Israeli attack on its consulate in Syria. This event marked a significant escalation in the long-standing tensions between the two nations.

As Iran continues to advance its military technology, particularly in drone warfare and missile systems, the international community remains watchful. The country's ballistic missile program, one of the largest in the Middle East, coupled with its rapidly evolving drone capabilities, has become a focal point of global security concerns.