TEHRAN - The deputy commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps, Brigadier General Hossein Salami, says that Iran is among the handful of countries that have the most advanced drone technology.  

Salami made the remarks during a televised interview broadcast live on Iranian television on Saturday night, in which he commented on the recent violation of the country’s airspace by a U.S. spy drone. 

Iran announced on December 4 that an advanced RQ-170 unmanned U.S. spy plane had been downed by the armed forces of the Islamic Republic but did not say when the incident occurred.  

During the interview, Salami stated, “The U.S. plane that we recently took over is not much more advanced than our drone technology. However, a combination of achievements and advancements in the areas of intelligence and aeronautics and guiding and controlling has been used in this aircraft, which can (help us make) technological achievements.”    

“We have aircraft that are radar-evading,” he said, adding, “We have aircraft in which stealth technology has been used.” 

“It is not the case that gaining access to such a plane was a dream for us. However, it is a victory, but a common thing for us,” Salami said. 

Commenting on how Iran brought down the drone, Salami said, “There is a principle in intelligence wars and that is: ‘When one side emerges victorious in an intelligence war, it keeps its methods secret.’ And we cannot brief the enemy on the methods we use to monitor, investigate, and detect the enemy’s intelligence efforts.”     

“If it is hard to believe that Iran brought down and took over the advanced strategic aircraft of the United States, and if it is beyond the belief of ordinary people, it is more difficult to believe that this aircraft, with such technology used to guide and control it, went out of control and landed in such a way that it remained intact,” he stated.   

He went on to say that the operation carried out by the armed forces was a great victory for the country, and in addition, “it was an intelligence failure for our enemies.” 

Asked to comment on news reports saying that Russian and Chinese officials have asked for permission to inspect the aircraft, Salami said, “No request has been received so far, and I am not informed. But naturally, all the world’s advanced countries, particularly those that are in intelligence wars with the U.S., are thirsting for the details of this aircraft. And the fact that we could get the aircraft will compel the United States to” make some revisions in the area of intelligence.

Washington must compensate for this act of aggression, he stated, adding, “The enemies will witness the impact of our response to their actions.” 

    

“Iran’s space is very unsafe for U.S. drones,” the IRGC deputy commander added.