by Our Correspondent in Doha
Iran showcased its advanced military capabilities by successfully firing AI-equipped missiles during the final day of its Great Prophet Authority 19 drills. The drills, which began in early January, are seen as a response to escalating concerns about potential US actions in the region, particularly in support of Israel.
During the exercises, the Iranian military deployed two key munitions: the Qaem and Almas missiles. Both weapons were launched from Ababil 5 and Mohajer 6 strike drones, which are designed to resemble airplane-style platforms. The missiles successfully struck mock targets, demonstrating the effectiveness of Iran’s growing reliance on artificial intelligence in modern warfare.
The Qaem missile, an air-to-ground glide bomb, is equipped with infrared, laser, or TV guidance systems. It features an 8.5 kg warhead and has a range of up to 40 kilometers, making it capable of precision strikes against enemy infrastructure. Meanwhile, the Almas missile, an anti-armor weapon, boasts an impressive 8 km range. It is designed for top attack capability and carries a tandem HEAT/thermobaric warhead, capable of penetrating armored targets.
The Great Prophet Authority 19 drills were conducted amid heightened tensions between Iran and the United States, with many observers noting the drills’ timing in relation to Iran’s concerns over possible preemptive strikes from the US. Iranian officials have voiced fears that such actions could be taken in support of Israel, particularly given the ongoing regional instability.
In a significant move, Iran first revealed its possession of AI-enabled missiles in 2023, showcasing their ability to independently adjust direction and angle during flight. While AI technology has been employed in military and aerospace systems since the 1980s, the incorporation of narrow AI into missile technology marks a notable advancement in Iran’s defense capabilities.
