Iran has built an array of unmanned aerial vehicles, or UAVs. The pneumatically-launched Ababil ("Swallow") has a wingspan of more than 10 feet, and cruises at 160 knots, according to Globalsecurity.org. The Mohajer or Misrad ("Migrant") drone is a bit smaller, and slower-flying.
Iran has supplied Hezbollah, with both models. Misrad drones flew reconnaissance missions in both November 2004 and April 2005. Then, in 2006, during Hezbollah's war with Israel, the group operated both Misrads and Ababils over Israel's skies. At least one was shot down by Israeli fighter jets.
Since then, Tehran claims to have radically upgraded its unmanned fleet. In 2007, Iran said it built a drone with a range of 420 miles. Then, in February, Iran's deputy defense minister claimed its latest UAV could now fly as far as 600 miles -- a huge improvement over crude drones like the Misrad, if true. Iran often exaggerates what its weapons can do. But, if this drone really can stay in the air for for that long, the Washington Times notes, "it could soar over every U.S. military installation, diplomatic mission or country of interest in the Middle East." Including those in Iraq.
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Thursday, March 12, 2009
Iranian UAV Shot Down by US Jet over Iraq
Danger Room is reporting that an American fighter jet shot down an Iranian drone as it was flying over Iraq last month. The article goes on to state:
any word on what kind of US jet shot it down?
ReplyDeleteWell done Iran, build build build. The only way them Zionist crazies know is by giving what they give to unarmed adverseries!
ReplyDeleteYup, Iran, once again, shows it will keep producing its technology, and what do we know about technology and optimization? -yes! it helps the good and "bad" guys. Unlucky drone surveillance at that time, but its going to be a problem, bcos coalition forces can't detect all IEDs, talk less of pilotless drones in the sky.
ReplyDeleteThese UAV's seem to be huge for next generation of non-conventional warfare. Most of Hezbollah's bunkers in southern Lebanon are underground and almost impossible to see from the air. But for Hezbollah, getting the lo-cal of one of a merkava's could really be a game changer--as it was in June 06.
ReplyDeleteMy question is: Will the IDF be forced to fight in a similar type of warfare? The days of open desert campaigns and conventional formations are over.
@Abu Guerrilla you talking abut the same zionist carzies cowards as I am?
ReplyDeleteHowever Iran be careful IDF Chief of General Staff Lt.-Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi is in Washinton this weekend accompanied by IDF Spokesman Brig.-Gen. Avi Benayahu and Israel's Military Attache in Washington Maj.-Gen. Benny Gantz to meet National Security Adviser Gen. James Jones, a meeting Israeli officials said was of extreme importance due to the important role Jones plays in the Obama administration as far as setting policy vis á vis Israel and the Palestinians.
Ashkenazi will also hold intelligence consultations and meet Dennis Ross, who was recently appointed a "special adviser" to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Iran and looks after the varied interests of AIPAC of which he was a joint founder.