A high-ranking military official has revealed that Iran has effectively utilized its domestically developed Karrar interceptor drone to issue warnings to U.S. aircraft, along with fighter jets from various nations, in the course of the past two years.
Alireza Elhami, the deputy commander of the Iranian Army's Air Defense Force, shared these insights during an interview with Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency, published on Sunday. His comments centered on the drone capabilities and defense systems of the Iranian Air Force.
Iran has employed the Karrar drone as a means to caution U.S. aircraft and foreign fighter jets against encroaching on its southern airspace. Elhami cited specific incidents, such as an American Boeing P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, which was compelled to alter its course following one such warning. Additionally, a U.S. Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk drone received a similar warning and was directed to retreat.
Elhami emphasized that the Iranian drone, featuring a domestically-produced engine and radar technology, possesses the capability to reach altitudes exceeding 14,000 meters, enabling it to operate above intruding aircraft.
Furthermore, Elhami disclosed that the Karrar drone is slated to be outfitted with air-to-air missiles in the near future, empowering it to undertake combat missions effectively.