US Drone Downed in Hormuz: Iran's New Weapon 'Arash-e-Kamangir'

However, despite Iran's claim, the veracity of the drone being shot down or the use of the new defense system has not yet been confirmed by the US military or any independent international source.

According to reports from Iran's state-controlled media, the US drone was shot down in the Strait of Hormuz near Kish Island during an operation to protect the country's airspace and maritime borders. Each MQ-9 Reaper drone costs between 16 million and 30 million US dollars on the international market.

Iran's semi-official Fars News Agency, citing unnamed military officials, reported that the operation was carried out using a system with secret capabilities, which is a clear and specific message from Iran to its enemies.

According to analysts, if Tehran's claim is true, this would be the first successful combat use of this air defense system, named after the legendary archer 'Arash' from Persian mythology. It would also indicate that Tehran has maintained the military capability to repel US or Israeli attacks amidst prolonged tensions and conflicts in the Middle East.

How realistic is Iran's claim?
According to security and military experts, Iran's claim needs to be evaluated with extreme caution. In the past, Iran's military has made many claims of technological advancements that could not be independently verified. However, experts also believe that the military strategy behind this claim cannot be entirely dismissed.

Mark Hilborn, a senior lecturer in the Department of Security Studies at King's College London, told Al Jazeera that Iran has become quite self-sufficient in developing various types of missiles and drones using its own technology. Like in the Ukraine war, they are also showing cunning in changing the economic equation of modern warfare.

Hilborn further added that relatively cheaper and simpler technology systems can easily put much more expensive and complex military equipment (such as US drones) at risk.

What is 'Arash-e-Kamangir'?
According to Persian folklore, 'Arash' was a hero who shot an arrow to determine the border between Iran and Central Asia. Analysts believe this new interceptor system may not be a magical weapon created overnight, but rather a continuous development of Iran's mobile (easily transportable) and low-cost air defense systems.

Traditional anti-aircraft systems usually rely on large radar stations and fixed launch pads, making them easily detectable by enemy surveillance. However, small and mobile systems can be quickly hidden, relocated, and easily replaced if destroyed.

Alex Almeida, a security analyst at the New York-based strategic intelligence platform Horizon Engage, said, 'I think this is an advanced version of Iran's short-range or loitering surface-to-air (SAM) weapon. It likely identifies targets using electro-optical or heat-seeking technology rather than relying on traditional radar. It is essentially a 'pop-up' missile system that can be quickly deployed and launched.'

Drones like the MQ-9 Reaper are primarily designed for long-duration aerial surveillance. Due to their very slow speed, they become easy targets for such mobile defense systems.

Nicole Grajewski, an assistant professor at Sciences Po University in Paris, told Al Jazeera that Iran's need for powerful long and medium-range air defense systems has not diminished. However, the biggest advantage of these mobile systems is that they can be quickly moved from one place to another.

Referring to the published video, Nicole Grajewski said, 'The video suggests the drone was flying at a relatively low altitude, making it easier to shoot down. However, this incident proves that Iran still has a strong defensive resistance capability.'