Iran unveils laser-guided bomb system, mega-drone at military drills PHOTO / VIDEO

28 January 2025 18:53

The latest achievement of the Islamic Republic of Iran's Army was revealed during a military exercise conducted by the Army's Ground Force in the western region of the country.

During this drill, the Army's Ground Force showcased a laser-guided bomb system for the first time, capable of precise targeting, pinpoint accuracy, and significant destructive power, Caliber.Az reports via Iranian media.

According to the commander of the UAV unit of the Army Ground Force, the system can be deployed in various weather conditions and terrains.

Moreover, Iran displayed its formidable new mega-drone to the world during a large-scale military exercise in the Persian Gulf. This massive unmanned aircraft has the capacity to carry a lethal 500kg payload or 13 precision-guided glide bombs.

Called "The Gaza," the Shahed 149 has a design resembling a small aircraft, featuring two flat wings and a rear-mounted propeller. In video footage, the Shahed smoothly soars through the sky before launching its deadly payload, resulting in a powerful impact. During this demonstration, the drone was equipped with eight Sadid-345 guided glide bombs, which hit their targets with remarkable precision.

Massive fireballs erupted hundreds of meters below as the drone released its powerful payload. With a 21-meter wingspan, a cruising speed of 215 km/h, and the ability to remain in the air for up to 25 hours, this drone is a formidable weapon. It is said to have a striking range of up to 4,000 kilometers and can reach altitudes of 35,000 feet.

This extensive range enables the drone to target strategic sites across the Middle East, including military bases, infrastructure, and valuable enemy assets. The Shahed 149 seems to have drawn significant inspiration from the design of the American MQ-9 Reaper drone and the Chinese CH-4 Rainbow.

The drone was introduced during the Great Prophet 19 military exercises held earlier this month. These drills involve specialized military units from the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC).

According to Brigadier General Mohammad-Nazar Azimi of the IRGC, the exercises will last for two months and include extensive maneuvers across air, land, and water.

One hundred helicopters from the airborne division of Iran’s Army Ground Force were involved in a military exercise in the western province of Kermanshah.

The first phase of the drill focused on practicing offensive, security, and mobility tactics and took place near the border city of Naft Shahr. The exercise involved a range of military helicopters, some of which had been refurbished by Army technicians. Moreover, the exercises, named "Great Prophet Authority 19," took place across southern Iranian provinces, including Bushehr and Khuzestan.

On the final day, the IRGC Navy launched Qaem and Almas missiles from advanced Mohajer 6 and Ababil 5 drones, demonstrating the use of AI technology in Iran's missile systems. Iran’s Armed Forces, including both the Army and the IRGC, continue improving their combat readiness in response to external threats, reaffirming their dedication to defending the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.