Iran has significantly reshaped the role of drones in modern warfare by expanding its indigenous UAV programs. The Shahed 136, one of its latest systems, has been used by Russian forces in the Ukraine war, with reports also indicating its deployment by regional groups such as Hezbollah and Houthi movement. Following U.S. sanctions imposed after 1979, Iran increasingly relied on domestic capabilities and external networks to advance its drone program. Early efforts began at University of Isfahan, where students developed initial prototypes despite limited resources. This later evolved into specialized units and the production of combat drones such as the Mohajer UAV in the 1980s. Experts note that Iran has adopted a distinct approach—prioritizing mass production and cost reduction over direct technological competition with major powers. The 2019 Abqaiq–Khurais attack is often cited as a key example, demonstrating how relatively low-cost drones can challenge advanced and expensive defense systems. Overall, these developments highlight how Iran has leveraged drone capabilities to exert influence not only in regional conflicts but also in broader global power dynamics.
