Recently, Iranian media reported that Iran plans to procure a substantial number of "strategic" unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), with the deal allegedly nearing finalization.
According to available information, the agreement involves approximately 1,000 drones. As noted by Breaking Defense, the models under consideration include the Ababil-4, Ababil-5, and Arash series UAVs.
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The Ababil series encompasses a family of drones, the technical details of which are often classified, as is typical for Iranian military developments. For example, the specifications of the Ababil-5 were highlighted in a report by the United States Institute of Peace.
Introduced in 2022, the Ababil-5 is a reconnaissance and strike UAV with a flight range of around 480 kilometers. It can carry four anti-tank missiles with a range of up to 8 kilometers or deploy precision-guided mini-bombs weighing 2.4 kilograms from a distance of up to 6 kilometers.

Regarding the Ababil-4, reports suggest it participated in military exercises in 2022, although specific details about its capabilities remain undisclosed.
In connection with the Ababil series, it is worth recalling a report from Ukraine's Defense Intelligence Directorate (GUR) in February 2024. The report noted that russian forces had been training with Iranian-made Ababil-3 drones, which are based on the South African Seeker UAVs developed by Denel Dynamics and introduced in 2008.
As for the Arash series, rumors in 2022 suggested that russia was considering ordering these drones, particularly the Arash-2 variant.
The Arash series comprises kamikaze drones with varying technical specifications. The Arash-1 features a smaller wingspan (2 meters compared to 4 meters for the larger model), a payload capacity of up to 30 kilograms, and a practical ceiling of 5.5 kilometers. It cruises at a speed of 350 km/h and can achieve a maximum speed of 480 km/h.
The Arash-2, on the other hand, has a wingspan of up to 4 meters, a length of 4.5 meters, and a range of 1,000 to 1,600 kilometers, depending on the source. Its aerodynamic design, featuring a delta wing, is similar to that of the Arash-1, though the platform is scaled up to extend flight range and potentially increase payload capacity. Visually, the two variants are nearly identical, making them difficult to distinguish without a sense of scale.
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