Iran Unveils Drone 'Mojaher 10'

On Tuesday, August 22, the defense industries of the Islamic Republic unveiled a drone named 'Mojaher 10' with capabilities for 'carrying, optimized flight ability, and operational range'. According to the state news agency IRNA, the 'Mojaher 10' drone can carry a payload of 300 kilograms, six times the capacity of 'Mojaher 6', and can fly up to 2,000 kilometers for 24 hours. The report states that this unmanned aerial vehicle can transport various munitions and bombs, including vertical bombs, diamonds, and hand grenades, with a fuel capacity of 450 liters and a maximum speed of 210 kilometers per hour. Amir Mohammad Reza Ashtiani, the Minister of Defense of the Islamic Republic, described this drone as 'exceptional' and stated that with the installation of communication and radar equipment, it could also serve as a 'reconnaissance aircraft'. Tehran has exported hundreds of its drones to Russia. In this context, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom have sanctioned several individuals and companies involved in drone component production in Iran and abroad for supplying weapons and components needed by Russia for its war against Ukraine. The United States accuses Iran of supporting Moscow in the war against Ukraine by supplying drones, including the 'Mojaher 6'. Iranian officials have denied these accusations. Meanwhile, Ukraine has emphasized Iran's support for Russia's war against Ukraine by showcasing the wreckage of Iranian drones used in attacks on the country. Additionally, in a publication released in Iranian media about the 'Mojaher 10' drone and other military industries, a caption in both Persian and Hebrew reads 'Prepare your shelters', which Reuters has interpreted as a sign of escalating tensions between Iran and Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused the Islamic Republic on Monday, August 21, of financially supporting and designing deadly attacks against Israeli citizens. Russia is currently producing a more advanced version of Iran's Shahed 136 drone. A recent Russian missile attack on Ukraine left 7 dead and over 100 injured. The Washington Post reported that Russia aims to make the 'Shahed 136' more advanced and efficient, while the Financial Times stated that the United States has called for a halt to drone sales to Russia. The UK has sanctioned the Iranian drone manufacturing company 'Paravar Pars' and its managers.