Iran's army inducts 1,000 homegrown combat drones amid rising tensions with U.S.

Xinhua
29 Jan 2026, 18:15 GMT+10

TEHRAN, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- Iran said Thursday it has inducted 1,000 domestically developed "strategic combat" drones into the combat formations of its army divisions, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported.

The drones were distributed to the army's ground, air defense, naval, and air forces under the order of army chief Amir Hatami, the report said.

The report added that the drones were jointly developed by army experts and the defense ministry to address evolving threats and incorporate lessons learned from last year's "12-day war" with Israel. They are capable of invasion, destruction, reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and striking fixed or mobile targets on land, at sea, and in the air.

Hatami said that, in line with future threats, the army has prioritized preserving and enhancing its strategic advantages to enable swift combat operations and deliver a "crushing" response to any aggression.

The delivery followed a U.S. deployment earlier this week of a carrier-led strike group to the Middle East. Tensions between Tehran and Washington have been rising as the United States steps up its rhetoric and warnings toward Iran.

U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday that a "massive armada," headed by the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln and larger than the one sent to Venezuela, was heading toward Iran. He warned that "time is running out" for Tehran to reach a deal with Washington.

In response, Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said, "Our brave armed forces are prepared -- with their fingers on the trigger -- to immediately and powerfully respond to any aggression."

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Illinois Intelligencer.

More Information

North America

Section

Canadian ex-Olympic snowboarder arrested for drug smuggling, killings

ONTARIO, California: Former Canadian Olympic snowboarder Ryan Wedding, who was accused of moving 60 tons of cocaine and was responsible...

Iran's army inducts 1,000 homegrown combat drones amid rising tensions with U.S.

TEHRAN, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- Iran said Thursday it has inducted 1,000 domestically developed strategic combat drones into the combat...

A smaller empire: Americas search for its Oceania

The US can no longer run the world, so its trying to lock down Europe Whether we like it or not, Western countries will remain at...

White House officials met with Canadian separatists media

Critics claim there are signs of US interference in a secession campaign in Alberta Leaders of a Canadian group seeking the secession...

White House officials met with Canadian separatists - media

Critics claim there are signs of US interference in a secession campaign in Alberta ...

White House officials met with Canadian separatists FT

Critics claim there are signs of US interference in a secession campaign in Alberta Leaders of a Canadian group seeking the secession...

International

Section