WANA (Nov 23) – The Mohajer-6 stands as Iran’s best-selling drone globally, purchased by six foreign countries to date. Manufactured by the Qods Mohajer Industries, this drone is capable of carrying four precision-guided bombs with an operational range of 2,000 kilometers.

 

The production of military drones has become not only a military necessity but also a pivotal factor in the economic and technological advancement of nations. Iran initiated its drone development efforts during the Iran-Iraq war and continued expanding them afterward.

 

Significant investments and the dedication of young specialists within Iran’s Ministry of Defense, Army, and IRGC have turned the country into a global hub for drone technology. Iranian drones have gained recognition worldwide, and the country has secured a prominent place in the international arms export market. Among its diverse drone portfolio, the Mohajer-6 is the most popular in Iran’s official export lineup.

 

This combat reconnaissance drone, designed by Qods Mohajer Industries under the Ministry of Defense, is Iran’s most widely sold unmanned combat vehicle. It is equipped for a variety of missions, including border surveillance, ground-target engagement, precision bombing, traffic monitoring, environmental monitoring, artillery coordination, and electronic warfare operations.

Mohajer-6: Iran's Best-Selling Drone

With a flight endurance of 12 hours and a range of up to 2,000 kilometers (enabled by a networked relay system), the Mohajer-6 boasts a maximum speed of 200 km/h, powered by Austrian Rotax 912 engines. Its takeoff and landing are AI-assisted. During search operations, artillery guidance, and patrol missions, its operational speed ranges between 130 and 150 km/h.

 

The drone’s wingspan measures 10 meters, while its fuselage is 7.5 meters long. It can carry up to 100 kilograms of munitions, including a wide array of smart bombs with optical, laser, and GPS guidance. The Mohajer-6 has two hardpoints on its wings for weapon mounting, enabling it to carry up to four Qaem bombs thanks to modern cluster pylons developed by Iran’s defense industry. These enhancements have made the drone versatile for both military and security operations.

 

This drone’s quality has earned it a place in the operational fleets of Iran’s Army, IRGC, and law enforcement forces. It remains a top choice for international buyers in the thriving arms market. A unique innovation by Iranian defense industries includes custom storage and transport containers for the Mohajer-6, ensuring cost-effective maintenance, particularly for foreign customers, while providing enhanced safety and protection.

 

The Mohajer-6 is a regular feature at defense exhibitions in non-Western countries. Its platform has been spotted in over four nations, with the operational name “M6,” an abbreviation for “Mohajer-6,” commonly used by foreign users.

 

International Operators of Mohajer-6

1. Russia: According to Ukrainian claims, Russia employs the Mohajer-6 in artillery command operations, using it as a critical reconnaissance asset in artillery battles.

Mohajer-6: Iran's Best-Selling Drone

2. Ethiopia: British intelligence reports suggest Iran has supplied the Mohajer-6 to Ethiopia to combat Tigray rebels. Previously, Ethiopia had acquired drones from China and Turkey, but these proved less effective against the well-armed militias supported by Eritrea. The combination of the Mohajer-6 and Qaem bombs has become a key asset for Ethiopia’s military operations.

 

3. Iraq: As extremist groups gained traction in the region, drones were integrated into the military strategies of local forces. Since the late 2010s, the Mohajer-6 has been in service with Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), conducting multiple operations against ISIS units in border areas near Iran.

 

4. Venezuela: Venezuela is another notable user of the Mohajer-6. Reports suggest that the country has even acquired a production line for the drone. During a military exhibition, the combination of the Mohajer-6 and Qaem bombs was displayed, indicating Venezuela’s strategic partnership with Iran in defense manufacturing.

 

The presence of the Mohajer-6 has also been confirmed in Syria and Sudan, with unverified reports suggesting potential exports to Tajikistan and Pakistan.

 

Expanding Iran’s Drone Industry

A report by Clash Report analyzed drone exporters between 1995 and 2023, placing Iran as the fourth-largest exporter globally, following the United States, despite international sanctions.

A report by Clash Report analyzed drone exporters between 1995 and 2023. Social Media / WANA News Agency

A report by Clash Report analyzed drone exporters between 1995 and 2023. Social Media / WANA News Agency

Notably, before 2020, Iran’s drone exports often involved technology transfer and assembly agreements. For instance, in the early 2000s, the Mohajer drones were assembled in Venezuela under the name “Ansu,” while Ababil-3 drones were rebranded as “Zagiil-3” in Sudan, figures that are not always included in export statistics.

 

Iran’s strategic investment in drone technology underscores its ambition to extend the operational reach of its UAVs beyond its borders. With a growing presence in the global defense market, the country is steadily establishing itself as a major player in military drone production.