IRGC Ground Force takes delivery of sophisticated homegrown kamikaze, combat drones

Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Ground Force has taken delivery of sophisticated homegrown kamikaze and combat unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), featuring state-of-the-art technologies suitable for operations against enemy targets.

Shahed 131 (Witness 131) suicide and Ababil-5 combat drones were supplied to the force during a Tuesday ceremony attended by senior IRGC commanders and other top-brass military figures.

The sophisticated homegrown drones are supposed to bolster the IRGC Ground Force’s surveillance capabilities and help it counter threats posed by anti-Iran terrorist groups.

During the large-scale Great Prophet 15 military exercise in January 2021, the IRGC Aerospace Force released video footage, showcasing successful engagement of various targets by Shahed-131 drone. This marked the first public presentation of the drone’s effectiveness in combat scenarios.

Shahed-131 drone further exhibited its operational prowess during the Great Prophet 17 exercise, where it conducted precision strikes on a simulated facility representing the Israeli Dimona nuclear power plant.

Measuring 2.6 meters in length and 2.2 meters in width, the unmanned aerial vehicle distinguishes itself with unique design features. It weighs 135 kilograms and can detonate targets within a radius of 900 kilometers.

Ababil-5 combat drone was first unveiled on April 18, 2022 during the National Army Day.