- By Vaidika Thapa
- Fri, 29 May 2026 08:10 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
- Iran claims new 'Arash-e Kamangir' system shot down US drone.
- US MQ-9 Reaper drone reportedly downed near Strait of Hormuz.
- System developed under sanctions, first combat use reported.
Amid ongoing tensions, Iran has claimed that it shot down a US MQ-9 Reaper drone near the Strait of Hormuz earlier this week using a newly developed air defence system. The United States has not confirmed the loss of any drone so far, but Tehran maintains that the drone was brought down near Qeshm Island.
US MQ-9 Drone Shot Down Using New System
According to Iran’s Fars News Agency, the attack was carried out using a locally developed system called “Arash-e Kamangir,” which Tehran reportedly built during sanctions. The system was used in combat for the first time and described it as a “new capability” designed to defend Iranian airspace and maritime borders.
Iranian officials, as quoted by Fars, said, “This operation, which was carried out using a system with hidden capabilities, is a clear and decisive message from Iran.” Notably, the name “Arash-e Kamangir” comes from Persian mythology, referring to a legendary archer who protected Iran by defining its borders with an arrow.
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Experts Take On New System
So far, there is no independent confirmation of Iran’s claim. However, experts warn that such announcements should be viewed carefully. This is because Iran has previously made military claims that were not always independently verified. Amid these reports, security analysts believe that Iran is investing in cheaper and mobile defence systems to counter advanced aircraft and drones.
"Arash Kamangir" is the New Iranian air defence system capable of intercepting and downing Fighter jets and UAVs. Built in Iran by Iranians during sanctions.
— Consulate General of I.R.Iran in Mazar-e-Sharif (@IRANinMAZAR) May 28, 2026
"Arash Kamangir" is the legendary Persian archer who sacrificed himself to defend Iran’s borders. pic.twitter.com/5Ak8yRCsum
Mark Hilborne of King’s College London, told Al Jazeera, “Iran has become quite self-sufficient in various forms of missile design and, like Ukraine, has been clever at changing the economics of warfare. Cheap, simple systems can hold much more complex systems at risk.”
What Is Iran’s New Air Defence System?
According to analysts, the “Arash-e Kamangir” system may not be a completely new weapon but rather an upgraded short-range or mobile air defence system. It may have features such as moving quickly and avoiding detection, using heat or optical guidance instead of radar, launching from hidden or temporary positions, and effectively targetting low-flying drones.
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