TEHRAN – The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has test-launched a new suicide drone that can hit targets at a range of 450 kilometers.

The new drone was developed by the IRGC Ground Force. 

General Ali Kouhestani, head of the Research and Self-Sufficiency Jihad Organization of the IRGC Ground Force, told Tasnim that the new unmanned aerial vehicle, dubbed “Me’raj-532”, has been tested successfully.

The homegrown suicide drone is equipped with a piston engine and can travel a distance of 450 kilometers in a one-way mission, he said.

The drone can take off from a vehicle, has a service ceiling of 12,000 feet, and can stay aloft up to 3 hours, the general added, noting that it can hit targets with high accuracy with a warhead weighing 50 kilograms, according to Tasnim. 

General Kouhestani also stated that Me’raj-532 can be assembled and prepared for flight easily and rapidly, emerging as a suitable option for rapid reaction.

He also unveiled plans to bring more new combat, training and suicide drones into operation for various missions carried out by the IRGC Ground Force units.

IRGC Navy plans parade in support of Palestine

Voluntary sailors in Iran’s northern and southern coastal regions and their peers in a number of ports across the world will attend maritime parades on April 13 to demonstrate solidarity with the people of Palestine, the IRGC Navy commander said, according to Tasnim. 

Speaking to reporters in the southern port city of Bushehr on Sunday, Rear Admiral Ali Reza Tangsiri said the maritime parade is scheduled for April 13 to express support for the oppressed people of Palestine and their Intifada (uprising) and to condemn the Zionist regime’s brutal and heinous crimes.

The maritime parades, slated for Thursday evening, will include the vessels of the popular Basij force of the IRGC Navy, he added.

Local sailors along the southern and northern coasts of Iran will take part in the parades that will be held simultaneously in a number of ports across the world, the commander stated.

Rear Admiral Tangsiri noted that over 2,500 vessels of the popular forces will attend the parades in the Caspian Sea and the Persian Gulf to voice support for the Palestinian cause and Intifada.