Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Unveils “Rezvan” Loitering Munitions

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran has unveiled its latest loitering munition, the “Rezvan” suicide, capable of striking targets up to 20km away.

The elite Iranian military force revealed the Rezvan loitering munitions during the final day of its military exercise, “Great Prophet 19,” held in western Iran.

The Rezvan loitering munitions can stay airborne for 20 minutes and, according to reports, is part of a broader initiative to equip Iran’s elite units with approximately 1,000 strategic drones.

Equipped with a front-mounted camera, the Rezvan loitering munitions transmits images after being launched from a cylindrical launcher, allowing operators to identify and engage targets.

Thanks to its versatility and rapid deployment capabilities, the Rezvan loitering munitions enhances the IRGC’s rapid response units, providing them with advanced tools to combat terrorist groups, particularly in the challenging mountainous terrain of western Iran.

Analysts suggest that the Rezvan loitering munitions, featuring an electro-optical targeting system, bears similarities to Russia’s Zala “Product 53” and Israel’s Uvision Hero series of loitering munitions.

What Are Loitering Munitions?

Loitering munitions, sometimes referred to as “hovering munitions” or “kamikaze drones,” are hybrid systems combining the capabilities of missiles and drones.

They are designed to loiter over target areas for a period before striking identified targets with high precision.

Key Features of Loitering Munitions:

1. Loitering Capability:

   • Can remain airborne for minutes to hours, depending on the design, awaiting the right opportunity to strike.

2. Surveillance and Strike Integration:

   • Equipped with cameras or sensors to identify and track targets before attacking.

   • Can be operated manually or through automated systems.

3. High Precision:

   • Capable of delivering warheads with pinpoint accuracy.

4. High Mobility:

   • Deployable from various platforms such as ground vehicles, ships, or directly from battlefields.

5. Cost Efficiency:

   • Typically more affordable than conventional missiles or complex weapon systems.

Primary Uses:

1. Strategic Target Engagement:

   • Effective against radars, armored vehicles, and infantry positions.

2. Anti-Access/Area Denial Operations:

   • Neutralizes enemy defense systems by targeting critical assets.

3. Guerrilla and Asymmetric Warfare:

   • Valuable for conflicts requiring mobility and cost efficiency.

Loitering munitions have become increasingly popular in modern conflicts due to their flexibility and tactical advantages in precision strikes. — DSA