Iran revealed its latest military advancements, including an upgraded version of the Shahed-136B suicide drone, during a military parade on Saturday, according to state media.
The unveiling coincides with increasing regional tensions and ongoing allegations that Tehran is supplying arms to Russia.
The Shahed-136B, an enhanced version of Iran’s known one-way attack drone, was showcased at the parade, which marked the anniversary of the end of the Iran-Iraq war. The new variant boasts several significant upgrades, including a larger warhead, a range between 2,500 to 4,000 kilometers, a turbojet engine, and improved stealth capabilities.
The Shahed-136B is thought to be an evolution of the drone supplied to Russian forces for use in Ukraine, though Tehran continues to deny allegations of providing military support to Moscow.
Western governments have frequently raised concerns about Iran’s drone program, with particular attention to its potential impact on regional conflicts, such as the war in Yemen and attacks on Israel, and broader geopolitical dynamics. Tehran, however, maintains that its military developments are defensive in nature.