Iran opens drone factory in Tajikistan

Iran inaugurated a factory for manufacturing drones in Tajikistan’s capital yesterday amid talks between high-ranking military officials over cooperation against terrorism in Central Asia.

According to the Tehran Times, the production plant in Dushanbe will manufacture Iran’s new military drone, the Ababil-2 named after the “flock of birds” mentioned in the chapter Al-Fil in the Quran. It is reportedly capable of carrying out attacks as well as surveillance missions from a range of 200 kilometres (124 miles) with 90 minutes of flight time.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Major General Mohammad Bagheri announced “Today, we are in a position where we can export military equipment to allied and friendly countries in addition to meeting domestic needs in order to increase security and lasting peace.”General Bagheri went on to describe the opening of the Ababil-2 factory in Tajikistan as a turning point in military cooperation between the two countries. “God willing, in the future, we will see more cooperation and interaction from all levels of military defence between Iran and Tajikistan,” he added.

Bagheri arrived in Tajikistan on Monday where he held a meeting with Minister of Defence, Colonel General Sherali Mirzo. The pair are said to have discussed possible joint military drills and security threats in Central Asia in addition to regional cooperation to promote peace and stability in neighbouring Afghanistan.

Yesterday, during a meeting with Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon, Bagheri said: “The Armed Forces of the two countries can help Afghanistan establish security and peace by developing military and regional cooperation.”

READ: Iran aims to contribute to lasting peace in Afghanistan