Fotros Aircraft Capable Of Remaining Aloft 30 Hours, Officials Say

An unmanned aircraft that defense officials for the Islamic Republic of Iran say is that country's largest was unveiled in Tehran Monday.

Defense Minister Hossein Dehghan says that the Fotros UAV is a reconnaissance and combat system. He said the aircraft is capable of remaining airborne for up to 30 hours and has a range of 1,250 miles, according to a report from the Associated Press.

The Iranian state news agency IRNA quoted Dehghan as saying the aircraft can "carry out reconnaissance missions and carry air to surface rockets for combat operations.

While the size and capabilities of the aircraft were not specified, Dehghan said that it was designed and developed by Iranian scientists, showing the country's ability to produce such a system despite international sanctions in place against Iran. While the country has often announced technological military advancements like jet aircraft, independent confirmation is usually not available

If the aircraft is real, its range would cover much of the Middle East, including Israel.

FMI: www.state.gov