Iran says it has increased underground drone production
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Zambianobserver
The Iranian army released images of Amir Hatami visiting an underground drone manufacturing facility as Tehran says it has increased production and retained substantial reserves. Iranian state media have also described a base buried in the Zagros Mountains, with a reported inventory of around 100 aircraft that has not been independently verified, reports Zambianobserver.
Iranian army chief Amir Hatami says Iran has expanded its drone production centres and has substantial reserves. Iranian state television broadcast footage on 22 October showing him at what it described as an underground manufacturing site, reports Zambianobserver. The facility’s exact location and the date the footage was recorded have not been independently established.
The broadcast has brought renewed attention to the 313 strategic drone base, publicly unveiled in May 2022. Iranian state media then said it housed around 100 aircraft, including Ababil-5, Fotros and Kaman-22 drones, as well as Heidar-1 and Heidar-2 cruise missiles. This inventory has not been independently confirmed.
Underground facilities and dispersed production could complicate strikes against Iran’s capabilities, but their actual effectiveness remains uncertain. Iran’s arsenal also includes Mohajer-6 drones, intended for reconnaissance and armed missions, as well as the Shahed series of one-way attack drones. The country’s ability to replace military losses at a significant rate has not been verified.
