The Role of Iranian Drones in Modern warfare
Iran’s drones are playing a significant role in reshaping modern warfare, and their capabilities are exceptional in several ways :Iran has developed a robust domestic drone industry over the past few decades, driven by the need for self-sufficiency due to international sanctions.
This has allowed Iran to produce a wide range of drones, from small reconnaissance models to larger, more advanced ones capable of carrying weapons.What makes Iranian drones exceptional is their combination of capabilities and low cost.
Iranian drones like the Shahed-136 can evade radar detection, operate at long ranges of up to 1,500 miles, and carry warheads of around 80 pounds – all for a mere $20,000 per unit. In contrast, Russia’s Kalibr cruise missiles cost $1 million each, and Turkey’s TB2 drones used by Ukraine cost $1-2 million per unit.
This affordability and capability make Iranian drones an attractive option for actors like Russia, which has lagged in drone development and is facing production challenges in its war in Ukraine.
By acquiring Iranian drones, Russia can bolster its arsenal with a disruptive and cost-effective weapon system.
Additionally, Iran has been able to proliferate its drone technology to regional proxies like the Houthis in Yemen, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and militias in Iraq, further complicating the threat landscape for adversaries in the Middle East.
This has allowed Iran to project power and influence beyond its borders using relatively low-cost and deniable means.
Iran’s mastery of drone technology, its ability to produce them domestically, and the exceptional capabilities and low cost of its drones have made them a game-changer in modern warfare, attracting the interest of powers like Russia that struggle to match this technology.
Iran’s Drone Producers and Capabilities:
- Iran’s drone industry includes large state-owned companies like the Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industries Company (HESA) and Qods Aviation Industries, as well as smaller private Iranian companies like Oje Parvaz Mado Nafar Company.
- Iran’s drones are believed to be less capable than those of other major drone producers, in part due to the impact of sanctions and export controls over several decades.
- However, Iran has been able to advance its drone program through domestic production and imports, despite the sanctions.
- Iran’s drones have been used by its proxies in the region, such as Hezbollah, the Houthis in Yemen, and pro-Iran militias in Iraq, for purposes ranging from surveillance and reconnaissance to carrying bombs and guided missiles.
- Iran claims to produce several miniature turbojet engines and small turbofan engines for use in its drones.
Israel’s Drone Capabilities:
- Israel has been a leader in drone technology for decades, with many local start-up companies working on drone prototypes.
- Israel was the world’s leading exporter of drones between 2005 and 2013.
- Israel boasts a highly advanced repertoire of drones that are being marketed around the world, including to some Arab countries.
Turkey’s Drone Capabilities:
- Turkey has been successful in developing domestic drone capabilities, with the Bayraktar TB2 drone becoming a best-seller and being used in conflicts in Syria, Azerbaijan, and Ukraine. 2
- Many countries in the region are trying to emulate Turkey’s success in developing their own drone industries.
Cost of Drones:
- Drones are attractive to poorer countries and non-state actors because they are relatively inexpensive compared to fighter jets.
- The low cost and effectiveness of drones have driven their popularity in recent conflicts in the Middle East.
In summary, Iran, Israel, and Turkey have all developed significant drone capabilities, with Iran relying on its drones to compensate for its isolation from advanced military suppliers, and Israel and Turkey emerging as regional leaders in drone production and exports. The relatively low cost of drones has made them an appealing option for a wide range of actors in the Middle East.
| Drone Producer | Capabilities | Cost | Buyers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iran | – Less capable drones compared to other major producers due to sanctions and export controls – Able to advance drone program through domestic production and imports – Drones used by proxies in the region like Hezbollah, Houthis, and pro-Iran militias – Claims to produce miniature turbojet and small turbofan engines for drones |
Relatively inexpensive at $10,000 – $50,000 per drone compared to fighter jets | – Iran’s proxies in the region (e.g. Hezbollah, Houthis, pro-Iran militias) |
| Israel | – Highly advanced drone technology and a leader in drone exports – Boasts a wide repertoire of drones marketed globally, including to some Arab countries |
$100,000 – $5 million per drone, depending on size and capabilities | – Global export market |
| Turkey | – Successful in developing domestic drone capabilities, with the Bayraktar TB2 drone becoming a best-seller – Drones used in conflicts in Syria, Azerbaijan, and Ukraine |
$1 million – $2 million per Bayraktar TB2 drone | – Global export market – Countries in the region trying to emulate Turkey’s drone industry |
| Global Drone Industry | – Technological improvements in areas like longer flight times, more payload capacity, better sensors, and enhanced autonomy – Intense competition between established companies and startups to develop new technologies and services |
– Delivery drones: Market expected to grow from $1.8 billion in 2023 to $12.3 billion by 2028 (CAGR of 46.5%) – Overall drone market expected to grow from $26.2 billion in 2022 to $38.3 billion by 2027 (CAGR of 7.9%) |
– Military/defense (C4ISR capabilities) – Commercial applications (e.g. aerial photography, mapping, inspection, delivery) – Recreational/hobbyist use |
