Iran unveils new combat drone

The Iranian Ground Force unveiled the country's latest home-made combat drone named 'Yasir' on Saturday. The drone was unveiled in a ceremony attended by Commander of the Iranian Army Ground Force Brigadier General Ahmad Reza Pourdastan. Elaborating on the capabilities and specifications of Yasir drone, Pourdastan said, "One of the capabilities of Yasir is detection and targeting of remote targets." He said that the drone is equipped with the most advanced reconnaissance systems. Iran has recently made giant advancements in aerospace industries, specially in designing and manufacturing pilotless drones. In September 2012, Iran announced that it has started using UAVs for its air defense units as part of its broader plans for strengthening the country's air defense capability. Speaking to reporters on the occasion of the National Day of Air Defense here in Tehran on September 3, 2012, Commander of Khatam ol-Anbia Air Defense Base Brigadier General Farzad Esmayeeli said Iran has equipped its air defense units with Haazem drones. Haazem is a drone designed and manufactured by Iranian air defense experts in three short, mid and long range models and for air defense missions. The drone can be used as a target for air defense systems and also for reconnaissance missions. The UAV can also be equipped with missiles and used for aerial bombardments as well. The Iranian Armed Forces have recently test-fired different types of newly-developed missiles and torpedoes and tested a large number of home-made weapons, tools and equipment, including submarines, military ships, artillery, choppers, aircrafts, UAVs and air defense and electronic systems, during massive military drills. Defense analysts and military observers say that Iran's wargames and its advancements in weapons production have proved as a deterrent factor.