Analysis of Iran’s Military Capabilities: Drones, Missiles, and Cyber Warfare

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 00:24:00 +0200

Iran’s military has evolved over nearly five decades, combining outdated conventional equipment with modern technological innovations. After relying heavily on Western military hardware prior to the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Iran faced embargoes that forced the development of a domestic arms industry. While much of its conventional weaponry remains obsolete, Iran has made significant advances in missile technology, drones, and cyber capabilities. The Iranian military is divided into two main branches: the Artesh, responsible for domestic defense, and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which projects regional influence. The Quds Force, part of the Revolutionary Guard, supports proxy groups like Hezbollah and Hamas, expanding Iran’s strategic reach without direct engagement. Iran has also pursued nuclear capabilities, often under international scrutiny, with efforts including uranium enrichment and the development of ballistic missiles and one-way attack drones. Recent conflicts, incl