China and Iran look beyond Russian market for UAS and precision weapon exports
The Iranian GB125 guided bomb displayed at the Army-2023 event. Note the retractable wings. (Photo: via author)
Chinese and Iranian companies displayed a wide range of UAS and precision-guided munitions at the Army-2023 event near Moscow last month.
The focus on these systems appears to reflect lessons learned during the Russo-Ukrainian conflict, and is claimed to be driven by a growing interest from international customers.
Along with known models, such as the Arash, Ababil-5, Karrar and Mohajer-6 UAVs, the Iranian MoD presented the Shahin. This is the first Iranian electric-powered UAV, with an operational range of 150km and the capability to carry four Quzghun-S1 loitering munitions.
Smart munitions presented include the GB125 guided bomb, F345-NO22 smart bomb, and F-365
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
Denmark looks to join NATO multi-role transport tanker pool
The country sees the Netherlands and Luxembourg-led pool as a way to strengthen its air defence capabilities and support its combat fighter fleet.
-
British Army to explore CUAS options to combat Class 1 drones
Named Project Vanaheim, the joint project will be run by the British and US armies and is the ‘first wave’ in a substantial programme of work to update both armed forces’ CUAS capabilities.
-
US Navy's next-gen aircraft contract award expected this week
The F/A-XX programme is the US Navy’s answer to improving air superiority against the rising threat of China in the Indo-Pacific.