Drills reflect Iranian emphasis on unmanned and anti-ship capabilities
As the dust settles from the Zolfaghar-99 large-scale military exercise, which took place from 10-12 September around the Strait of Hormuz, it is possible to draw some conclusions about the capabilities of the Iranian defence industrial base.
The exercise involved all four branches of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army (ground forces, air defence forces, the navy and the air force) but it is worth paying particular attention to the demonstration of UAV capabilities.
Footage of a Simorgh MALE-class UAV hitting a sea target with a Sadid-345 guided bomb was very significant. Before the UAV successfully attacked the target, it
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![HII delivers first two Lionfish SUUVs to US Navy]()
HII delivers first two Lionfish SUUVs to US Navy
The SUUVs could be part of a programme that scales to 200 vehicles.
-
![Indian Navy’s next generation OPV fleet advances with keel-laying of third vessel]()
Indian Navy’s next generation OPV fleet advances with keel-laying of third vessel
The ship is the third in a fleet of 11, with the first vessel due to be delivered in 2026.
-
![Fincantieri and TKMS partner for Philippine submarine bid]()
Fincantieri and TKMS partner for Philippine submarine bid
The companies have banded together to promote the Fincantieri U212 NFS offering, and hinted that the collaboration may not be a one-bid phenomenon.
-
![New enhanced FREMM frigate delivered to Italian Navy]()
New enhanced FREMM frigate delivered to Italian Navy
The frigate, Spartaco Schergat, is equipped for a broad range of missions, including anti-submarine warfare.
-
![NAVSEA invests more in support of mine countermeasure USVs]()
NAVSEA invests more in support of mine countermeasure USVs
The new contract with Textron Systems will support software development for uncrewed vessels over the next three years.
