Iran’s latest UAV becomes operational

TEHRAN,Sept.27(MNA) – The latest domestically manufactured long-range unmanned aerial vehicle, named the Shahed 129 (Observer 129), has become operational, according to the commander of the Aerospace Force of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC). Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh told reporters on Monday that the Shahed 129 UAV has a range of 1700-2000 kilometers and is capable of flying nonstop for 24 hours. He also said that the UAV is capable of carrying out reconnaissance and combat missions and can be equipped with bombs and missiles. Using the aircraft, which has been designed and manufactured with minimal cost, the Islamic Republic will be able to expand its intelligence supremacy over the country’s border areas, the Persian Gulf, and the Sea of Oman and threaten the security of terrorists and smugglers, he added. Elsewhere in his remarks, Hajizadeh said that the IRGC is using UAVs to monitor the movements of U.S. vessels in the region, adding that Iran has the right to keep a close watch on the activities of U.S. forces in regional waters. In addition, he said that the Islamic Republic has no problem with its neighbors, but it regards the U.S. bases in the region as the soil of this country and will target them if military action is taken against the country.