Russia, Belarus and Armenia participate in Iranian drone tournament

Iran is said to boost its drone arsenal and also provide hundreds to Russia

Russia, Belarus and Armenia participate in Iranian drone tournament

This photo, from the Tasnim website, allegedly shows some of Iran’s drones

Iran has launched a military drone tournament attended by local participants as well as representatives from Russia, Belarus and Armenia.

Al-Jazeera reports that the competition, named “Falcon Hunting”, is part of the wider annual military games held by Russia since 2015. The drone competition is hosted by the aerospace division of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in Kashan, a city in central Iran where, according to the report, many of the force’s drone tests are conducted.

The competition is expected to last until August 28th. Its 70-plus military personnel participants will also undergo physical readiness and shooting tests.

Tehran and Moscow have been developing closer ties recently, against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine and the West’s attempt to exert pressure over Iran on the nuclear deal. Just last week, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said that the US believes Iran is preparing to provide Russia with hundreds of drones, including weapon-capable ones.  

Last month, IRGC-run news agency Tasnim reported that the Iranian army will set up five new drone units, which will include the most sophisticated and advanced ones on the market. Tehran has also announced its first naval drone-carrying division in the Indian Ocean.   

Recently, Israel admitted that the IDF has been using attack drones, following decades of ambiguity.