Iran Integrates Three VTOL Drones to Strengthen its Military Autonomy and Deterrent Power.

In a clear demonstration of its autonomous defense capabilities, the Iranian Army officially introduced three newly developed vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drones during a ceremony held on May 22, 2025, at the Army’s drone and aviation base in the southeastern city of Zahedan. These drones, named Homa, Dideban (meaning "Watchdog"), and Shahin-1 ("Falcon-1"), reflect the Islamic Republic’s ongoing efforts to develop military technologies suited to modern operational requirements without relying on foreign sources.
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The Homa, Dideban, and Shahin-1 drones illustrate Iran's push to independently develop military technologies tailored to modern warfare needs (Picture source: Mehrnews)

The Homa drone is designed to operate at a maximum altitude of over 12,000 feet (3,657 meters). It is capable of carrying out various reconnaissance missions, particularly in electronic warfare environments. Equipped with night vision capabilities, its VTOL configuration eliminates the need for a runway, enhancing deployment flexibility across diverse terrains. Its hybrid design allows it to transition to fixed-wing flight, improving endurance and operational range.

The Dideban drone, intended for use by Iran’s Ground Forces, is notable for its lightweight and portable construction. Featuring both day and night vision systems, it can accurately identify targets on the ground. It can fly at an altitude of 6,000 feet and is specifically designed for reconnaissance and target acquisition missions, including those conducted in electronic warfare scenarios. A distinguishing feature of Dideban is its ability to operate in swarms, allowing multiple drones to monitor and engage different areas simultaneously, thereby increasing tactical effectiveness.

Shahin-1, a first-person view (FPV) suicide drone, is designed to address the challenges of future warfare. It is characterized by high speed, maneuverability, extended flight endurance, and altitude adaptability depending on mission requirements. It is intended to strike both fixed and mobile targets quickly and accurately, particularly in operations requiring immediate and precise engagement.

During the unveiling, Brigadier General Nozar Nemati, Deputy Commander of the Iranian Army’s Ground Forces, emphasized the growing significance of advanced defense technologies such as drones, micro unmanned aerial vehicles, and systems incorporating artificial intelligence. He stated that the Iranian Army has recognized the necessity of investing in these strategic domains to meet the evolving demands of modern battlefields. According to him, ongoing investment, planning, and development in these areas have positioned the Ground Forces as key players in adopting and utilizing the latest military innovations.

In recent years, Iranian military engineers and specialists have achieved notable progress in the development of indigenous military equipment, aimed at achieving self-sufficiency for the country’s armed forces. Iranian authorities have consistently reiterated that enhancing their military capabilities, including missile technology, remains a defensive priority and will not be subject to negotiation.

The Iranian Army’s acquisition of the Homa, Dideban, and Shahin-1 drones represents a significant step in advancing its technological self-reliance. By incorporating these modern platforms into its arsenal, Iran aims to develop weapon systems that meet current operational realities while reinforcing its commitment to defending national interests with domestically developed means.