The Iranian drone "Ababil 5" is the latest generation from the Ababil drone family, having entered the scene after the successful previous models "Ababil 3" and "Ababil 4." It conducted surveillance on the U.S. naval fleet from an altitude of 12,000 feet during recent drone exercises carried out by the Iranian military. The multi-purpose strategic drone Ababil 5 was integrated into the combat units of the Iranian army on January 23, alongside the Ababil 4. Both drones are capable of reconnaissance, surveillance, electronic warfare, and data collection through signals, in addition to combat tasks.
The first public display of the "Ababil 5" drone occurred during military parade ceremonies on Iranian Army Day on April 18, 2022. This drone can carry electro-optical platforms for visual inspection, signal intelligence gathering equipment, and radar systems. The maximum speed of the "Ababil 5" drone is 210 kilometers per hour, and it can fly continuously for 12 hours fully loaded, reaching altitudes of up to 18,000 feet. Its operational radius is 300 kilometers, and it can perform surveillance and mapping missions both at night and during the day. The drone lands on its wheels but can also parachute down in emergency situations.
Ababil 5 can also carry weapons and ammunition weighing up to 120 kilograms, including various types of smart "Qaem" bombs and "Mas" class missiles. The exterior design of this drone is radar-absorbing, making it difficult to detect. During drone maneuvers conducted by the Iranian military last October, this drone was able to surveil the American destroyer Arleigh Burke for 24 continuous hours. The "Ababil 5" drone can carry six precision-guided missiles with high-explosive warheads and launch them at targets when necessary.
