US trying to catch up with Iran in stealth, bomber drone technology: Commander

Iran is ranked among the world’s top four countries in drone technology, a senior IRGC commander said, adding that Americans are attempting to catch up with Iran in gaining the technology to develop stealth and bomber Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).

According to Tasnim news agency, IRGC’s Aerospace Force Commander Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh said on Saturday Iran has devised unique methods by combining its expertise in the drone industry with asymmetrical war tactics.

He made the comments on the sidelines of an exhibition of the IRGC’s advancements in the drone technology.

Highlighting Iran’s great capabilities, the general said even the US is trying to draw level with Iran in making stealth and bomber drones.

Among the products displayed at the exhibition was a new combat drone, dubbed Saeqeh (lightning), which can detonate four different targets with precision-guided bombs.

Saeqeh is the newest model of Simorgh-class UAVs, a homegrown sophisticated aircraft made by reverse engineering of American Lockheed Martin RQ-170 which Iran could capture in its airspace in December 2011.

Iran has now a broad range of UAVs which can be used for both civilian and military purposes.