Iran Defense Ministry to establish drone support center

Brigadier General Reza Talaei-Nik, a spokesperson for Iran's Defense Ministry, announced the establishment of a drone support center following the cabinet's approval of the civilian drone law and its executive bylaw. Speaking about the recent US-Israeli aggression against Iran, he noted that the enemy posed a serious threat using advanced drones. According to Press TV, he highlighted Iran's air defense capabilities, stating that the country "managed to destroy the most advanced drones — more than 16 times the number downed during the 12-day imposed War — within just 40 days of the recent aggression."

Talaei-Nik explained that drones have both military and civilian applications. Countries developing drone usage implement legal mechanisms and oversight to prevent drones from becoming a threat to public security. He noted that Iran previously had a legal vacuum in this area, with no law governing civilian drones. "Thanks to the efforts of the Parliament, the government, and the General Staff of the Armed Forces, this gap has been filled, and we now have a nearly complete and up-to-date law for regulating this field," he said.

He added that during some phases of the 12-day Imposed War, civilian drones were used against the country's security. The new law creates a primary deterrent, and criminalizing such acts has reduced incidents. Talaei-Nik described the rapidly expanding applications of civilian drones, including mapping, land registration, cadaster, hydrography, soil science, geology, imaging, and rescue operations in inaccessible areas. Before the recent aggression, the ministry delivered the first drone fleet to the Iranian Red Crescent Society. Drones are also used in environmental monitoring, mining, and agriculture.

On exports, Talaei-Nik said the government will support drone companies through the Vice Presidency for Science and Technology, with assistance from the Defense Ministry and Customs. As technology grows, knowledge-based companies could become major exporters of civilian drones. Incentives, support, tax breaks, and loans will be offered for this purpose. According to Mehr News Agency, the Defense Ministry's initiative aims to bolster Iran's drone capabilities and regulatory framework.