WANA (Nov 04) – As part of a routine combat readiness assessment, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Ground Forces conducted a drone exercise by its Sajil units in northern and northwestern regions of the country on Monday. The drill, attended by Major General Mohammad Pakpour, commander of the IRGC Ground Forces, focused on testing new loitering and strike-capable unmanned aerial systems.

 

During the exercise, a new family of loitering munitions known as Raad (“Thunder”) was officially introduced. According to official information, these drones are designed for rapid-reaction missions and counterterrorism operations in mountainous terrain, and have recently entered service with the IRGC Ground Forces.

Raad-2: A Light Drone for Short-Range Missions

The Raad-2 is a compact loitering drone with a 1.8-meter wingspan powered by an electric engine. It can operate at altitudes up to 3,000 feet, has an endurance of 17 minutes, and carries a 5-kilogram warhead with an operational range of around 20 kilometers. A front-mounted camera transmits live imagery, allowing operators to identify and strike designated targets.

 

Raad-3: Extended Range and Higher Payload

The upgraded Raad-3 maintains a similar size but offers significantly improved performance. Its endurance has doubled to about 40 minutes, and its operational range has increased from 20 to 100 kilometers. The warhead weight has also grown from 5 to 12 kilograms, expanding its destructive capacity while maintaining the same 3,000-foot ceiling.

International Display in Serbia

The Raad loitering drone was also showcased at the PARTNER 2025 defense exhibition in Serbia, signaling Iran’s intent to present its domestically developed unmanned technologies to an international audience.

 

The deployment of loitering and strike drones, particularly within rapid-reaction units, reflects Iran’s continued investment in expanding its reconnaissance and precision-strike capabilities. Together with other systems such as Sa’eqeh, Qandil, Bina, and Dalahu, the Raad series highlights Tehran’s focus on enhancing operational agility and accuracy in border security and counterinsurgency missions.