tech
March 13, 2026
Invisible Weapon from the Depths: Iran's 'Dragon' Worries the Pentagon
Tehran – Iran continues to strengthen its military capabilities in the Persian Gulf, relying not only on its classical naval fleet but also on new technologies that could significantly affect the security balance in the region. The focus of military analysts has shifted to a new unmanned underwater system called 'Azhdar' (*Persian dragon - editor's note by Politika*), which Iranian engineers recently presented as part of the development of asymmetrical naval capacities.
TL;DR
- Iran has introduced a new unmanned underwater system called 'Azhdar', designed to enhance its naval capabilities in the Persian Gulf.
- The 'Azhdar' drone features a stealthy design with quiet electric propulsion, making it difficult to detect by standard sonar systems.
- It can remain submerged for up to four days, has an operational range over 600 kilometers, and can reach speeds of around 25 knots.
- This technology is particularly relevant for the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit route.
- The 'Azhdar' project is part of Iran's asymmetrical naval defense strategy, focusing on smaller and more flexible systems.
- The drone can be launched from various platforms, including shore, small military boats, or even civilian vessels, offering tactical advantages.
- Equipped with a warhead up to half a ton, 'Azhdar' could pose a serious threat to large ships.
- The proliferation of such drones could escalate tensions in the already volatile region, with potential global economic consequences.
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