Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) has introduced a new loitering munition, reportedly capable of reaching a range of 20 kilometers (12 miles).
Dubbed the “Razvan,” the kamikaze drone was unveiled during the recent Payambar-e Azam (The Great Prophet) 19 military exercise.
According to Iranian media, the drone is equipped with a front-facing camera that enables it to be controlled via a first-person view.
The drone can be launched from a cylindrical launcher and remains airborne for up to 20 minutes, allowing it to select, lock onto, and attack a target.
“Our drones have completed successful operations and, in simulations, neutralized various threats to our bases,” IRGC Ground Forces Commander Mohammad Pakpour stated.
Once deployed, the Razvan is expected to enhance the IRGC’s defense capabilities, particularly in challenging mountainous terrain.
Copying Israeli Design?
The launch of the Razvan has sparked controversy, with some media outlets accusing Tehran of copying Israeli drone designs.
The Razvan shares several similarities with UVision’s Hero family of loitering munitions, which can reach ranges of up to 200 kilometers (124 miles).
Like the Hero drones, the Razvan features four foldable wings that expand mid-flight and is equipped with electro-optical and infrared cameras for real-time visual feedback.
The drones are also nearly identical in size, contributing to their maneuverability and stealth.
1,000 ‘Strategic’ Drones
The introduction of the Razvan is part of Iran’s broader goal to field 1,000 new “strategic” drones to strengthen its defense capabilities.
Army Ground Forces Commander Kiomars Heidari stated that this move aims to improve the IRGC’s precision, mobility, and intelligence capabilities amid rising regional tensions.