The Iranian government has announced that it will manufacture new drones in Tajikistan to help maintain the balance of power in the region.
The announcement was made on Tuesday following a meeting between Iranian Armed Forces representative Mohammad Bagheri and Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon.
They stressed the importance of joint efforts to maintain peace and security in the region.
The two nations reportedly consider the current situation in Afghanistan under the Taliban a major threat.
The drone produced in Tajikistan — called the Ababil-2 — will be able to carry out attack and surveillance missions at a range of up to 200 kilometers (124 miles).
According to Iranian media, a drone factory has already been opened in Tajikistan for the production of the Ababil-2.
Continuing Defense Challenge
Earlier this year, Tajikistan announced that two of its citizens were killed and 10 were injured during an overnight clash along its border with Kyrgyzstan.
The clash was the bloodiest escalation between the two countries since last year.
Amid increasing defense and security challenges, China vows to build a base in Tajikistan near the Afghan border for $8.5 million.
Russia has also been working with the Central Asian nation on the ratification of an integrated regional air defense system agreement.