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During the Payambar-e Azam (The Great Prophet) 19 military exercise, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran introduced a new suicide UAV, the Rezvan, which it claims offers enhanced operational capabilities for its ground forces.
According to Iranian media reports, the Rezvan is described as having a range of 20 kilometers and a flight time of up to 20 minutes. One of its key features is a front-facing camera that allows operators to control the drone via a first-person view (FPV), offering real-time visuals to improve targeting accuracy. The drone is apparently launched from a man-portable tube, after which its four wings unfold, enabling it to take flight. This design allows for greater mobility and flexibility, making the drone suitable for diverse mission types, particularly in challenging terrain.
According to Iranian news outlet Tansim, the Rezvan enhances the IRGC’s rapid response capabilities, particularly against “terrorist groups” in complex mountainous regions. While the precise operational use of the Rezvan is not detailed, it is clear that the drone is intended to provide an additional tool for reconnaissance, surveillance, and potentially targeted strikes in such environments.
Separately, it was recently reported that Iran plans to acquire up to 1,000 additional unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), including the multi-purpose Ababil-4 and Ababil-5 UAVs, as well as the Arash suicide UAVs.
While the Rezvan does not have the range required in order to be used in a direct attack from Iran to Israel, it is interesting to follow up and see how Iran intends to use this UAV. Utilizing suicide UAVs in battle has become more and more common in global conflicts, and Iran is a known supplier of weapons to its allies. A good example of that is how Iranian-made Shahed UAVs have become a staple in Russia’s attacks against Ukraine. Of course, it is also possible that the new UAV will be used in Iran’s domestic defense. Regardless, Iran’s continued development and acquisition of such technology suggest it is looking to bolster both its own defense capabilities and its strategic influence in the region.
