Iran unveils AI-powered missiles

The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps Navy launched missiles equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) using drones during a large-scale military exercise in the Persian Gulf.

IRGC Navy Commander Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri told reporters in Bushehr, southern Iran, that his forces successfully fired a variety of coast-to-sea and ground-to-ground missiles on the second day of the "Payambar-e Azam (The Great Prophet)" war games, Caliber.Az reports per Iranian media.

He added that the Mohajer-6 and Ababil-5 drones were equipped with upgraded versions of the Qaem and Almas missiles, now enhanced with AI to improve targeting accuracy.

For the first time, the IRGC Navy has launched Navvab missiles to protect the Martyr Soleimani warship, according to the commander. He further mentioned that the IRGC naval forces have also fired cruise and ballistic missiles, as well as an upgraded version of the Qadr missiles, which have improved range and precision for electronic warfare. 

Additionally, the IRGC Navy and Iran’s Defense Ministry have developed cruise missiles with a range of over 1,000 kilometres, utilizing artificial intelligence to target aerial threats at various altitudes.

Admiral Tangsiri emphasized that the main goal of the war games is to strengthen the coordination and readiness of the IRGC naval forces while sending a message of peace and friendship to neighbouring countries. 

The exercises, code-named "Great Prophet Authority 19" were conducted across the southern Iranian provinces of Bushehr and Khuzestan. On the final day of the drills, the IRGC Navy deployed the Qaem and Almas missiles, launched from advanced Mohajer 6 and Ababil 5 drones, showcasing the integration of AI into Iran's missile systems. 

Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri, the IRGC Navy’s Commander, who oversaw the exercises, emphasized the significant upgrades made to the Navy’s equipment and systems. The drills saw the launch of various ballistic and surface-to-surface missiles, including an offensive missile from the strategic Shahid Soleimani warship, and the interception of enemy targets using Kowsar 222 missiles. 

Tangsiri explained that the extensive military drills, held in the northern and central regions of the Persian Gulf, were aimed at enhancing coordination and combat readiness within the IRGC naval forces. 

This exercise comes as part of the Islamic Republic’s ongoing efforts to improve its military capabilities under the leadership of Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei. Iran’s Armed Forces, including both the Army and the IRGC, continue to enhance their combat readiness in response to perceived external threats, reaffirming their commitment to defending the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

By Naila Huseynova