The Islamic Republic’s drones can fly thousands of kilometers, he added, noting that they can capture images and transmit them directly or indirectly to terrestrial stations.

Iran in September unveiled a newly-developed drone equipped with home-made hi-tech air-based missiles.

"Drones equipped with air defense missiles have been built" by the Defense Ministry, the Aviation Industries and Aerospace Industries specialists in a move to meet the needs of the Armed Forces, Deputy Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami announced at the time.

He said that the drones had been prepared to be delivered to the Armed Forces after passing different tests, adding that the new aircraft had increased the operational range and zone of the drones as well as their capability to trace, intercept and destroy aggressive aircraft.