Advanced domestically-developed drones operated by Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy successfully launched missiles equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities during a large-scale naval drill in the Gulf, announced commander Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri.

Speaking on Sunday in the southern port city of Bushehr, Tangsiri confirmed that IRGC Navy units deployed an array of surface-to-sea and surface-to-surface missiles of varying ranges during the second day of the extensive Payambar-e-A’azam (The Great Prophet) military exercise.

He explained that IRGC technicians have equipped multirole Mohajer-6 ISTAR unmanned aerial vehicles and Ababil-5 combat drones with advanced versions of Qaem and Almas precision-guided missiles, which feature AI technology to accurately hit designated targets.

The commander further revealed that the IRGC Navy successfully launched Navvab missiles for the first time, providing air defense for the domestically-built Shahid (Martyr) Soleimani patrol combat vessel.

Tangsiri emphasized that IRGC naval forces also deployed cruise and ballistic missiles, as well as an upgraded version of the Qadr missile, which has enhanced range and precision to counter electronic warfare systems.

Elsewhere, he highlighted that the purpose of the Payambar-e-A’azam naval drills is to enhance the IRGC Navy’s preparedness against potential threats while delivering a message of peace and friendship to neighboring countries.

IRGC announces to integrate new homegrown anti-ballistic system

In early January, a senior commander of the IRGC's Aerospace Force announced that Iran is set to test a new domestically developed anti-ballistic defense system in the near future.

"In the near future, we will witness the testing of the Islamic Republic's indigenous anti-ballistic defense system, which will undoubtedly create significant equations in the military domain and the perceptions of countries hostile to the Islamic Republic," stressed Brigadier General Davoud Sheikhiyan.

In a similar context, IRGC spokesperson General Ali Mohammad Naeini also confirmed that the IRGC Aerospace Force is set to showcase new underground facilities designed for modern missiles and drones as part of the ongoing large-scale military exercise.

Naeini revealed details about the drills and additional war games, and among the highlights is the unveiling of "missile and drone cities," including an underground missile storage facility and a southern Iran-based complex designed for naval vessels.

The exercises will also feature the introduction of a new generation of the IRGC's advanced drones, which Naeini described as "unique".

Naeini underscored Iran's readiness for complex challenges, saying, "Iran has been fully prepared since long ago for big and complicated battles on any scale" and vowing that the Islamic Republic continues to strengthen its capabilities against security threats.

Read more: IRGC integrates new loitering munition to defense system near Natanz