Iran unveils new stealth drone

TEHRAN,May 11(MNA)-- Iran unveiled a new domestically manufactured stealth unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), named the Hamaseh, in a ceremony held in Tehran on Thursday. The capability to fly at higher altitudes for a longer range distinguishes the Hamaseh from other Iranian-made drones. Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi said on the sidelines of the ceremony that the UAV was capable of conducting surveillance, reconnaissance and combat missions simultaneously. He also said that the aircraft was able to identify the targets and attack them with rockets and missiles. Iran’s first domestically manufactured long-range UAV, named the Karrar, was successfully tested in August 2010. The aircraft’s ability to fly at high altitudes is its significant feature. The Shahed 129, which is a long-range drone, became operational in September 2012. The UAV has a range of 1700-2000 kilometers and is capable of flying nonstop for 24 hours. It is capable of carrying out reconnaissance and combat missions and can be equipped with bombs and missiles.