Commander: Haazem 3 drones designed for specific, strategic purposes

Commander of Khatam ol-Anbia Air Defense Base Brigadier General Farzad Esmayeeli said Iran’s latest drone production, Haazem 3, has been designed and built for special and strategic purposes. “Haazem 3 is a jet(-engine) drone and (designed) for specific and strategic goals,” Brigadier General Esmayeeli told FNA. “Last year we unveiled Haazem 1 used more as a flying target. Now we have Haazem 2 and Haazem 3 which are suitable for high altitudes and move at higher speeds with an improved flying range,” he added. Brigadier General Esmayeeli further pointed to the other Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) manufactured by Iran, and said Sarir 110 (Throne), which is a multipurpose and hi-tech drone, is one of superior achievements of the country’s air defense industry. He said Sarir 110 can be used for combat, reconnaissance and surveillance missions, adding that the drone enjoys 100 precision capability and can pinpoint and destroy targets through the real-time orders it receives from air defense radars. Iran has recently made giant advancements in aerospace industries, specially in designing and manufacturing pilotless drones. In September 2012, Iran announced that it has started using UAVs for its air defense units as part of its broader plans for strengthening the country's air defense capability. Speaking to reporters on the occasion of the National Day of Air Defense here in Tehran on September 3, 2012, Esmayeeli said Iran has equipped its air defense units with Haazem drones. Haazem is a drone designed and manufactured by Iranian air defense experts in three short, mid and long range models and for air defense missions. The drone can be used as a target for air defense systems and also for reconnaissance missions. The UAV can also be equipped with missiles and used for aerial bombardments as well.