Iran Rolls Out 'Biggest Drone Yet'

Spy, combat drone has huge range, minister claims
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Nov 19, 2013 1:16 AM CST
Iran Rolls Out 'Biggest Drone Yet'
This photo released by the Iranian Defense Ministry claims to show a Fotros drone aircraft in an undisclosed location in Iran.    (AP Photo/Iranian Defense Ministry)

Iran unveiled a new aircraft yesterday that it says is the biggest drone yet to be developed in the country, capable of staying aloft for up to 30 hours. Iran's defense minister Hossein Dehghan said the reconnaissance and combat drone Fotros has a range of 1,250 miles. That would cover much of the Middle East, including Israel. The earlier Shahed-129 drone is reported to have a similar range, but can only stay aloft 24 hours. "This drone is able to carry out reconnaissance missions and carry air-to-surface rockets for combat operations," the minister said, boasting that the drone was developed despite tough sanctions against Iran over its nuclear program. "Sanctions by enemies can't create an obstacle in the path of progress for our defense industries," he said. (More Iran stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X