Iran’s advancements in drone technology are profoundly altering the landscape of global conflicts. Iranian drones are being utilised in various countries, including Sudan, Syria, and Ukraine. These drones are becoming more advanced and are being used by various militias and militaries worldwide. Despite the sanctions, Iran’s drone industry is thriving due to innovative methods to circumvent them. It is a crucial part of Iran’s military strategy, allowing it to extend its power and influence beyond its borders.
It has been revealed that in the past two years, Iran has significantly increased its production of drones in at least five different countries across South America and Central Asia. The Russian military used hundreds of unmanned aircraft manufactured by Iran during its offensive operations in the ongoing war with Ukraine. Russia has launched wave after wave of Iranian kamikaze drones at Ukrainian energy facilities and urban centres in recent months. Furthermore, Russia has recently started manufacturing Iranian drones to use in the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The use of drones in warfare by Iran, while relatively low-tech, is becoming an urgent concern for stability in the Middle East. Recently, Iran’s leaders made threats to retaliate against Israel for an airstrike on its embassy in Syria, which resulted in the deaths of officers from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. In addition, earlier this year, an Iranian-designed kamikaze drone killed three American service members and injured over 40 others at the Tower 22 US military base in Jordan.
Trade through the Suez Canal has been drastically reduced by over 50% this year due to the Iran-backed Yemeni Houthis’ actions in the Red Sea. They have been using drones and missiles to attack cargo ships. In January 2024, 18 Iranian-designed drones were fired by the Houthis in Yemen on ships in the Red Sea, Saudi Arabia’s interception of Iranian drones destined for the Houthi rebels highlights the extent of Iran’s military support for the group and has further strained relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia, as well as other Gulf countries. It has also raised concerns about the spread of advanced military technology to non-state actors in the region.
Moreover, since the outbreak of war in Gaza in October, Iranian-backed militia groups in Syria and Iraq have repeatedly targeted remote US military bases in the region, resulting in numerous attacks, including the fatal strike in January.
The advancements in drone technology by Iran have significantly influenced conflicts beyond the Middle East, reaching regional proxies like Pakistan. Over the past few years, there have been allegations and speculations about Iran’s support for militant groups operating in Pakistan’s border regions, such as Baluchistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces. These groups have been accused of carrying out attacks against Pakistani security forces and civilian targets.
According to recent reports, the US Department of Defence has expressed concerns over the procurement, development, and proliferation of drones, stating that they pose “an increasing threat to international peace and security.” It was also announced that Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin put together a team of experts last month to explore effective strategies to tackle “this urgent operational challenge.” Furthermore, Tehran’s involvement in proliferating disruptive technology to militias and militaries across four continents has been causing tensions in the region.
China’s Role in Iranian Drone Industry
It is reported that Ukraine shot down an Iranian drone in April 2023, which had a navigational component produced in China. Iran’s ascent in the realm of drone technology is underscored by its collaborative efforts with China. This partnership highlights Iran’s growing stature in this domain. China’s involvement ranges from aerodynamics, avionics, and propulsion systems to the supply of vital components. Rooted in strategic and geopolitical considerations, this collaboration not only enhances Iran’s technological prowess but also aligns with China’s broader objectives in the Middle East.
After the UN restriction on Iran’s import and export of missile-related technology expired in 2023, missiles and drones with a range of 300 kilometres (186 miles) still remained restricted. Despite this, Beijing continued to supply drone parts to Tehran as the two countries had maintained diplomatic and military relations for several decades.
China hopes to increase its regional footprint by strengthening military relations with Iran while challenging US dominance. This partnership represents a greater integration of Iranian drones into global military networks, highlighting the changing dynamics of contemporary warfare and strategic cooperation between Iran and China.
US estimates suggest that unless China takes action to restrict technology sales to Iran, attempts to curtail Iran’s drone industry will be futile. Military experts predict that it may take between five to ten years for the West to develop effective methods to counter Iranian drones.
Punit Shyam Gore
