Iranian Navy fires AI-guided missiles during large-scale military exercises in the Persian Gulf.

As reported by PressTV on January 25, 2025, the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy of Iran conducted large-scale military drills under the code name "Great Prophet Authority 19" on January 24, 2025, spanning the southern Iranian provinces of Bushehr and Khuzestan's littoral waters. The exercises included the deployment of missiles guided by artificial intelligence (AI), which successfully hit mock enemy targets. The Qaem and Almas missiles, integrated with AI technology, were launched by Mohajer-6 and Ababil 5 drones, demonstrating the IRGC Navy's focus on incorporating AI into its weapon systems.
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The Qaem and Almas missiles, integrated with AI technology, were launched by Mohajer-6 and Ababil 5 drones, demonstrating the IRGC Navy's focus on incorporating AI into its weapon systems. (Picture source: Iranian MoD)

During the drills, the IRGC Navy fired a range of ballistic and surface-to-surface missiles, including an offensive missile from the Shahid Soleimani warship. Additionally, Kowsar 222 missiles were used to intercept and destroy airborne targets. The exercises took place across the northern and central parts of the Persian Gulf and aimed to improve the coordination and readiness of the IRGC naval forces to respond to potential threats. IRGC Navy Commander Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri stated that the drills were also intended to convey a message of peace and friendship to neighboring countries.

The Qaem missile is an air-to-ground glide bomb featuring infrared, laser, or TV guidance, equipped with an 8.5 kg warhead and capable of hitting targets up to 40 km away. The Almas is an anti-armor missile with a range of 8 km, offering top attack capability and a tandem HEAT/thermobaric warhead. These AI-guided munitions are part of the IRGC's broader strategy to enhance precision and targeting effectiveness through technological advancements.

In addition to the naval drills, the IRGC Ground Force conducted a large-scale and specialized exercise, codenamed "Payambar-e-A’azam (Great Prophet) 19," in Iran’s western province of Kermanshah. The drills aimed to increase the force's preparedness to address potential security threats. These activities are part of Iran's broader approach to maintaining readiness and enhancing military capabilities. Concurrently, Iran’s Ministry of Science and Technology announced a $115 million initiative to advance AI research and development, including plans to establish the first domestic AI park by 2027. This development aligns with Tehran's objectives to strengthen AI capabilities across both military and civilian sectors.

During the Artificial Intelligence and Future Civilization Conference, IRGC Commander-in-Chief Major General Hossein Salami outlined the military's use of AI in air defense systems and naval operations. He explained that AI technology assists in selecting targets and detecting ships that deactivate their navigation systems. Salami discussed how AI can reduce response times in critical scenarios, such as air defense and maritime operations, by quickly identifying targets and optimizing engagement strategies.

Major General Salami discussed the historical progression of technological competition among global powers, from nuclear technology and space advancements to AI. He addressed the risks associated with the monopolization of AI by specific countries and emphasized the potential impact on global power dynamics. Salami noted the uncertainties surrounding AI's future role, including concerns about its ethical implications and potential effects on employment.

The IRGC’s use of AI extends to military applications such as determining the optimal targeting points on vessels and enhancing efficiency in air defense operations. According to Salami, AI technology assists in accurately striking a ship's center of gravity and improves the speed and precision of target selection when faced with multiple airborne threats. He also mentioned the importance of adhering to ethical principles during military operations, including minimizing harm to non-combatant ship crews.

Following the conference, the IRGC unveiled its comprehensive AI strategy, which outlines its approach to integrating AI technologies across various fields, including defense, healthcare, transportation, and traffic management. This initiative is part of Iran’s broader efforts to build a centralized scientific framework that supports AI development and application.