Iran tests Sina loitering munition copy of American-made Switchblade 300.

According to information released by the Tasnim News Agency on October 28, 2023, the Iranian Army Ground Force successfully executed a series of precision strikes using indigenously developed Sina and Fateh loitering munitions during the Eqtedar (Power) 1402 war game. The Sina appears to be a copy of the American-made Switchblade 300.
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Iranian army conducts its first launch tests with Sina loitering munition during a military exercise. (Picture source FARNEWS)

The war game, which involved complex maneuvers and strategic operations, was particularly notable for the effective deployment of Sina and Fateh, two types of Iranian-made loitering munitions, also known colloquially as suicide or exploding drones. These advanced weapons systems demonstrated their efficacy by accurately destroying both fixed and moving ground targets within a range of 10 kilometers.

The Sina and Fateh munitions represent a significant leap in Iran's military technology. Equipped with warheads ranging from 300 to 1,000 grams, these drones are capable of loitering passively in the air for durations of 10 to 15 minutes. This feature allows them to survey a specific area meticulously before identifying and striking various targets, including enemy gatherings, with remarkable precision during ground combat scenarios.

The design of the Iranian-made Sina loitering munition appears to be very similar to the American-made Switchblade 300, which is equipped with small wings located at the front and rear bottom parts of the main fuselage. During the launch phase from the tube-launcher, the wings are deployed and the munition is propelled by an electric motor mounted at the rear of the fuselage.

The range of the 'Sina' loitering suicide missile is 5 km, and its flight duration is 8 minutes. This missile can target gatherings of enemy infantry units and vehicles. It is powered by an electric motor, and its warhead type is EFP (Explosively Formed Penetrator) shrapnel, which can be guided both manually and automatically.

The successful deployment of these homegrown weapons during the Eqtedar 1402 exercise sends a strong message about Iran's growing self-reliance in defense technology. The ability to develop and effectively utilize such advanced systems indicates a significant enhancement in the country's strategic and tactical capabilities.

As the Iranian Army continues to refine and expand its arsenal with domestically produced weapons, the Eqtedar 1402 war game stands as a testament to the nation's determination to fortify its defense mechanisms. This development is likely to have considerable implications for regional security dynamics and Iran's role as a key military player in the Middle East.

Iranian-made Sina loitering munition. (Picture source Internet)

American-made Switchblade 300 loitering munition. (Picture source Army Recognition)

Defense News November 2023