Iranian stealth drone monitors US and Spanish naval vessels

Recently, a video surfaced on social media showing an Iranian stealth drone apparently tracking American and Spanish naval vessels in the Persian Gulf. The footage, shared by the Iran Observer X account, has yet to be independently verified by BulgarianMilitary.com. 

The video depicts at least three warships, identified as belonging to the U.S. Navy and Spanish Navy. Captured from the air, it suggests the presence of a stealth unmanned aerial vehicle. The recording date is unknown, but the video first appeared online on August 9. 

Since early 2024, the United States has significantly increased its naval presence in the Gulf region. This includes the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford and its strike group, comprising multiple destroyers and cruisers. Alongside the USS Gerald R. Ford, the amphibious assault ship USS America has also been deployed. This versatile vessel, equipped with various aircraft, can support both combat and humanitarian missions.

Spain has bolstered naval forces in the Gulf region with the deployment of the frigate ESPS Cristóbal Colón. This cutting-edge warship is outfitted with the latest in radar and missile technology. Its mission? Engaging in joint exercises with allied navies, fighting piracy, and ensuring the uninterrupted flow of commerce in the region. 

Iran is keen to highlight its military advancements. According to local Iranian sources, the nation has developed various stealth drones, with the Shahed-129 standing out. This medium-altitude long-endurance [MALE] UAV is versatile, performing both reconnaissance and combat missions, thanks to its precision-guided munitions and advanced surveillance capabilities. 

Another key asset in Iran’s drone fleet is the Saegheh, an upgraded version of the US RQ-170 Sentinel. Designed for stealth, the Saegheh is primarily utilized for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance [ISR] missions. Its flying wing design minimizes its radar cross-section, making it more difficult to detect.

The Mohajer-6 is a key player in Iran’s fleet of stealth drones, specifically designed for tactical reconnaissance and strike missions. Another advanced UAV in their arsenal is the Karrar drone. Though it was initially developed as a target drone, it has since been adapted for combat roles, including both air-to-ground and air-to-air missions. The Ababil-3 is another tactical UAV that has been upgraded with stealth features to minimize its radar footprint. Known for its durability and flexibility, the Ababil-3 is versatile enough to be deployed in a variety of operational environments, fulfilling missions that range from ISR to electronic warfare. 

Interestingly, there’s a high probability that an Iranian drone has been tracking the movements of Western coalition warships in the region. Just last week, Iran commenced a large-scale exercise involving the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps air force, making this scenario quite plausible. 

According to the official IRNA news agency, 11 Iranian air force bases joined the exercise called Fadaeian Velyat-11, or Worshipers of the Supreme Leader-11. One of these bases is in the southern port of Bandar Abbas, at the important Strait of Hormuz. This strait is vital since it’s where 20% of the world’s crude oil passes through.

In a recent exercise, more than 90 fighter jets, bombers, and drones took part. Air Force Chief General Hamid Wahedi said that the main message of this exercise was friendship, peace, and security in the region. He added, “We aim for lasting security, better regional ties, peaceful living, and protecting our air borders.” Iran often holds these drills to check combat readiness and show its military strength. 

About a dozen days ago, the United States decided to send more warplanes and a warship to the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman. This decision came after Iran tried to seize merchant ships in the area. The Pentagon announced that the destroyer USS Thomas Hudner and several F-35 fighter jets would be sent, with Hudner already in the Red Sea. 

This action was in response to Iran’s recent attempt in July to capture two oil tankers—the Marshall Islands-flagged TRF Moss and the Bahamian-flagged Richmond Voyager—near the strait. The Iranian ships backed off when the USS McFaul, a guided-missile destroyer, arrived. The US Navy reports that Iran has captured at least five merchant ships in the past two years and has harassed over a dozen more, mostly around the Strait of Hormuz. 

The West claims that Iran uses these seized ships for leverage. However, Iran denies this, saying it captured the ships because of collisions with local vessels that caused pollution. Tensions have been rising since former US President Donald Trump pulled out of Iran’s 2015 nuclear deal and reimposed tough sanctions. In response, Iran increased its nuclear activities, which it says are for peaceful reasons, and provided drones to Russia for its war against Ukraine.

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