
(Photo credit: Iranian Army/AFP)
The Islamic Republic of Iran unveiled a massive new underground drone base in a video released on 28 May.
#Iran unveils underground ‘UAV City’ as regional tensions rise
VIDEO: pic.twitter.com/He9O7GXwBf— The Cradle (@TheCradleMedia) May 28, 2022
The release of the video was accompanied by a visit from the Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Hossein Baqeri.
“No doubt the drones of Islamic Republic of Iran’s armed forces are the region’s most powerful,” Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, who joined the visit, said. “Our capability to upgrade drones is unstoppable.”
Iranian state TV reported that the drones showcased included the Ababil-5 model, armed with Qaem-9 missiles.
The military officials present were informed about the latest developments in various long-range, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Iranian drones have capabilities in combat, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare.
Iran has also begun to export its military technology to neighboring countries.
On 17 May, Iran inaugurated a drone manufacturing factory in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, which will produce Ababil-2 military drones.
Major General Baqeri was also present at the factory opening.
According to the Islamic Republic News Agency, IRNA, Baqeri said that Iran is “in a position where, in addition to meeting our domestic needs, we can export military equipment to allied and friendly countries to help increase security and sustainable peace.”
Describing the opening of the drone factory in Dushanbe as a milestone in military cooperation between Iran and Tajikistan, the top commander said the two countries will broaden military and defense assistance in the future.
Regional tensions have been quickly rising between Iran, Israel, and the US.
Two reports from the New York Times (NYT) claim that Israel admitted responsibility for the assassination of Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Colonel Hassan Sayyad Khodaei and that Israel may potentially be behind an explosion at the Parchin military research facility.
Israel is also carrying out several military exercises, which will conclude with a simulation of an attack on Iran. The drill for an attack on Iran will include the participation of the US military.
The US illegally seized an Iranian oil ship on 25 May, and Greece captured the tanker at the behest of Washington.
In response, the IRGC seized two ships sailing under the Greek flag in the Persian Gulf on 27 May, in retaliation for the coordinated theft of its oil by Greece and the US.