Iran has recently introduced its latest drone model, the Mohajer-10, at a defense exhibition in Russia, as reported by Tehran’s official news agency on August 12, 2024. This drone was featured at the Army 2024 International Military-Technical Forum, which is taking place near Moscow this week.
The Mohajer-10 is an advanced version of the earlier Mohajer-6 model. Unlike its predecessor, which is frequently used by Russia in Ukraine, the Mohajer-10 is designed to return to base after completing its mission. It is equipped with missiles for targeting enemy positions and can also perform reconnaissance, target acquisition, and intelligence gathering.
The introduction of the Mohajer-10 raises questions about its potential use in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. While Iran has denied supplying the Mohajer-6 drones to Russia, evidence suggests otherwise. Reports indicate that Iran covertly sent at least 18 Mohajer-6 drones to Russia in November 2022, following a visit by a Russian delegation to Tehran. These drones have been spotted in satellite images over Crimea and the Black Sea, where they were used for surveillance and possibly aiding Russian targeting operations.
In addition to satellite evidence, Ukraine has demonstrated proof of these drones being used against them by displaying a downed Mohajer-6. This further supports the claim that Iranian drones are actively involved in the conflict.
The Mohajer-10 drone improves upon the Mohajer-6 in several ways. It has a range of 2,000 kilometers (approximately 1,240 miles), can remain airborne for up to 24 hours, and flies at speeds of 210 km/h (130 mph). It also has a payload capacity of 300 kilograms, double that of its predecessor. The drone’s design bears some resemblance to the U.S.-made Reaper drone.
The official unveiling of the Mohajer-10 included a promotional video that ominously warned to “prepare your bunkers,” signaling the drone’s advanced capabilities. This new model’s appearance at the Russian arms fair and its advanced features underscore the ongoing efforts by Iran to enhance its drone technology.
In response to the use of Iranian drones in the Ukraine conflict, Western nations have imposed sanctions to limit the flow of these technologies. In October 2023, the U.S. sanctioned several individuals and entities linked to Iran’s drone program, including the Sarmad Electronic Sepahan Company, which produces components for the Mohajer-6 drones.
Despite these efforts, the continued development and deployment of drones like the Mohajer-10 suggest that the impact of such sanctions may be limited, and Iranian drones could still play a significant role in the conflict.
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