Click to see full-size image. (The Islamic Republic News Agency)
On December 10, a number of Karrar drones armed with Majid anti-aircraft missiles entered service with the Iranian Air Defense Force.
The unique interceptor drones were handed over during a ceremony that was held in the presence of the commander of the Iran Army Air Defense Force Brigadier General Alireza Sabahi Fard. The commander of the Iranian Army Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi also attended the ceremony.
The Karrar was developed by Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industrial Company based on the design of the American-made Beechcraft MQM-107 Streaker target drone. The jet-powered drone has a top speed of 900 kilometers per hour, a combat range of up to 500 kilometers and can reach an altitude of 47,000 feet.
The Majid was originally developed to be launched from the ground as a part of a mobile air defense system with a range of eight kilometers. The range is likely larger when launched from air, as the missile would benefit from the speed and altitude of the aircraft firing it.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Maj. Gen. Mousavi stressed that the event was another stage of upgrading the capabilities of the Iranian Air Defense Force.
The commander said that “enemies should reconsider their air-to-air combat strategies and tactics, especially in the drone field, because Iran has a special status in this field today.”
From his side, Brig. Gen Fard said that with scientific and round-the-clock joint work between the Air Defense Force and the Ministry of Defense, for the first time, Iranians succeeded in building and producing armed drones with Majid anti-aircraft missiles.
The development of the interceptor version of the Karrar was first revealed in September by Deputy Commander of the Iranian Army’s Air Defense Force Brigadier General Alireza Elhami who revealed that the drone was equipped with a radar. Later in October, Iran released first footage of the unique drone engaging an aerial target during the Artesh military exercise.
The new interceptor drone will enable the Iranian Air Defense Force to carry out air-based tactical defense operations in different areas at a lower cost and with no risk of losing personnel.
