TEHRAN (Tasnim) The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy Commander Rear Admiral Ali Fadavi described pilotless aircraft as one of the crucial factors contributing to the capabilities of his forces.
During a visit to the IRGC Navys drone command headquarters on Wednesday, Rear Admiral Fadavi said the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) unit has become a pillar of the IRGC Navys combat and operational power.
Drones account for the fifth pillar of the Navys operational capabilities in addition to vessels, commandos, missiles and air-sea equipment, he added.
As time goes by, the significant role of the pilotless aircraft becomes clearer in the world armies, he explained.
Iran is now in possession of a broad range of UAVs which can be used for both civilian and military purposes.
Experts at the IRGC Aerospace Force have already manufactured a homegrown version of the US RQ-170 stealth drone through reverse engineering.
The advanced American aircraft was captured in northeastern Iran in December 2011.\