Iran’s military is planning to establish new drone bases across the country, including in border regions, according to a military official. This announcement comes as US and Iranian officials meet in Oman to discuss Iran’s nuclear program.
Brigadier General Kioumars Heidari, the commander of Iran’s Army Ground Force, made the statement, which was reported by the semi-official news agency Tasnim. Heidari emphasized that Iran’s Army Ground Force is now working alongside the Ministry of Defense to develop and produce drones, becoming a key part of the nation’s military capabilities.
“Thanks to our domestic production, we are currently manufacturing UAVs that meet the diverse operational needs of the Ground Force,” Heidari said, according to Mehr news agency.
This development takes place amid high-stakes discussions over Iran’s nuclear program, with tensions rising after former US President Donald Trump’s threats to take military action against Iran if a deal isn’t reached.
Analyst Ryan Bohl suggested that Iran’s push to expand its drone capabilities is a defensive measure in response to the growing threats from Israel and the US. Bohl, a senior analyst at the RANE network, noted that drones offer Iran a cost-effective way to bolster its defense without deploying ground forces.
Sina Azodi, a defense expert at George Washington University, also noted that the expanded use of drones helps solidify Iran’s position as one of the few countries with significant drone capabilities.
Iran’s drone production gained global attention after Russia used Iranian-made drones extensively during its invasion of Ukraine. Iran has also deployed drones in failed attacks against Israel in 2024.
While the exact type of drones or their missions have not been specified, experts believe they could complement Iran’s ballistic missile program and assist in border operations, such as anti-smuggling efforts.
Bohl also pointed out that the new drone bases could help Iran prepare for potential retaliation against targets in neighboring regions, including the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Iraq, Azerbaijan, and the Persian Gulf. Though Iran’s drone capabilities remain limited compared to those of the US and Israel, they offer a fast and inexpensive way to enhance its deterrence.
