Iran's army stages extensive drone drills

The two-day exercise, which began on Tuesday, is taking place in the northern province of Semnan.

Army Deputy Commander for Operations Rear Admiral Mahmoud Mousavi said the Islamic Republic is today one of the world's most powerful countries in the field of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

"During the Army's large-scale exercise, different types of drone systems in the Army's Ground, Air Defense, Air and Navy Forces will perform defined missions in real combat conditions," he added.

The commander also said that the operational part of the drill will feature the widespread use of kamikaze drones as well as the aerial interception and destruction of targets by air-to-air missiles, along with the destruction of ground targets with bombs and precision-guided missiles.

Navy drones, he noted, would practice flying from vessels in the southern waters of the country, while long-range kamikaze drones would drill precision strikes on vital targets in the depth of the enemy territory.

The participating drone units would also monitor land, air and sea borders, Mousavi said, adding that an exhibition would be held on the sidelines of the drill, showcasing the Army's new achievements in the field of drones.

Separately on Tuesday, Deputy Chief of the Iranian Army Brigadier General Mohammad Hossein Dadras said the main message of the exercise is the establishment of peace and security in the region without the need for foreign presence or intervention.