Iran has been showcasing its defense technology to the world amid its growing alliance with Russia and its tensions with the West and Israel. The Islamic Republic claims to have achieved new capabilities in drones, missiles, and anti-armor systems that could challenge its adversaries in the region and beyond. But how credible are these claims and what are the implications for the global security?
Iran’s drone axis with Russia
One of the most notable aspects of Iran’s defense strategy is its cooperation with Russia in developing and deploying drones. Iran has been providing Russia with hundreds of Shahed and Mohajer drones, which Russia has been using to attack critical Ukrainian infrastructure and stretch Ukraine’s air defenses. Iran has also been helping Russia build a drone-manufacturing facility in its territory, which is expected to be completed by early next year. This facility could provide Russia with a new drone stockpile that is “orders of magnitude larger” than what it has been able to procure from Iran so far.
Iran’s drone exports to Russia are part of its broader effort to increase its defense trade with other countries, especially those that are under US sanctions or face Western pressure. Iran’s Armed Forces Chief of Staff Maj.-Gen. Mohammad Bagheri has said that the world is seeking to benefit from Iran’s defense achievements. Iran has also been supplying drones and other weapons to its proxies and allies in the region, such as Hezbollah, Hamas, the Houthis, and the Iraqi militias.
Iran’s missile program: a source of pride and power
Another area where Iran has been boasting its defense prowess is its missile program. Iran has one of the largest and most diverse missile arsenals in the Middle East, ranging from short-range ballistic missiles to cruise missiles and anti-ship missiles. Iran has also been developing space launch vehicles, which could be used for civilian or military purposes. Iran’s Defense Minister Amir Hatami has said that Iran plans to launch more satellites into orbit using its own rockets in the coming year.
Iran’s missile program is a source of pride and power for the regime, as it sees it as a deterrent against foreign aggression and a means of projecting influence in the region. Iran has repeatedly tested and displayed its missiles in military parades and exercises, often with slogans threatening Israel and the US. Iran has also transferred some of its missiles to its regional allies, such as Hezbollah and the Houthis, who have used them to target Saudi Arabia and Israel.
Iran’s anti-armor systems: a response to new threats
A third aspect of Iran’s defense technology that has attracted attention is its anti-armor systems. Iran has been working on developing new weapons that could penetrate the active protection systems (APS) that have become more common for armored vehicles. APS are systems that detect incoming projectiles and intercept them before they hit the target. They are designed to counter anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs), rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), and other threats.
Iran has claimed to have developed a new ATGM called Dehlaviyeh, which is based on the Russian Kornet-E missile. Iran says that this missile can defeat any APS in the world. Iran has also unveiled a new RPG called Sa’eer, which is said to have a tandem warhead that can overcome reactive armor. Iran has also been experimenting with laser weapons that could disable or destroy optical sensors and electronic systems on armored vehicles.
Implications for the global security
Iran’s defense technology poses significant challenges for the global security, especially for its regional rivals and the Western powers. Iran’s drone axis with Russia could escalate the conflict in Ukraine and undermine the US-led efforts to contain Russia’s aggression. Iran’s missile program could threaten the stability of the Middle East and jeopardize the nuclear deal negotiations with the US and other world powers. Iran’s anti-armor systems could enhance its asymmetric warfare capabilities and pose new threats to Israel and Saudi Arabia.
However, Iran’s defense technology also has some limitations and vulnerabilities. Iran’s drones are mostly based on reverse-engineering or copying foreign models, and they lack stealth, endurance, and precision compared to their Western counterparts. Iran’s missiles are still subject to international sanctions and monitoring, and they face advanced missile defense systems deployed by Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the US. Iran’s anti-armor systems are still unproven in combat, and they may not be able to match the latest innovations in armored warfare.
Therefore, while Iran’s defense technology should not be underestimated or ignored, it should also not be overestimated or exaggerated. Iran’s defense technology is a reflection of its ambitions and aspirations, but also of its isolation and insecurity.
