The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) of Iran has revealed its latest loitering munition suicide drone (a.k.a. kamikaze drone), Rezvan, featuring a 20-kilometer range and the capability to fly for up to 20 minutes. This makes it the perfect weapon against Israeli settlements south of the Lebanese border.
The Tasnim News Agency reported that the Rezvan drone enhances the IRGC’s rapid response units, offering them new capabilities to combat terrorist groups, especially in challenging mountainous terrain.
However, in early 2025, Tehran may be more focused on strengthening its own capabilities, following significant setbacks: its proxy in Lebanon, Hezbollah, was heavily weakened by Israeli operations, and its key regional ally, the Assad regime in Syria, was toppled by rebel forces.
Iranian media outlets mentioned that the military plans to acquire 1,000 “strategic” drones in the near future.
The Rezvan is equipped with a forward-facing camera that transmits images back to the operator. After launch from a cylindrical launcher, the operator can choose and strike specific targets. This new drone bolsters the IRGC’s rapid response units, particularly enhancing their ability to confront unsuspecting civilians as well as military units in challenging mountainous environments.
Kamikaze drones are aerial weapons equipped with a built-in warhead, designed to hover over a target area until a target is identified, then attack by crashing into it. These drones provide faster reaction times against targets that emerge briefly, without risking high-value platforms in the vicinity. They also allow for more precise targeting, as the attack can be adjusted mid-flight or aborted.
Kamikaze drones occupy a unique position between cruise missiles and unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs). While they share features with both, they differ from cruise missiles by their ability to loiter around the target area for an extended period. Unlike UCAVs, which are reusable, Kamikaze drones are intended for a single use and are equipped with a warhead. Consequently, they can be viewed as a nontraditional ranged weapon.
Rep. Pat Fallon (R-Tx), Chairman of the House Military Personnel Subcommittee, tweeted on Saturday: “Iran’s Rezvan loitering munition and its growing drone capabilities underscores the need for the US to bolster its own defense capabilities. Innovative anti-drone defenses and countermeasures are essential to our military’s readiness.”