Skip to main content

Iran opens drone factory in Tajikistan

Iran is seeking to strengthen ties with its fellow Persian-speaking country and drones play a big role in the Islamic Republic’s military strategy.
Iranian Army office/AFP via Getty Images

Iran unveiled a factory in Tajikistan today that will produce drones. 

The factory in the Tajik capital Dushanbe will manufacture Abagil 2 drones. Iranian military Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Mohammad Bagheri attended the ceremony, reported the official Islamic Republic News Agency. 

“We are in a position to apart from meeting our domestic need, we can export military equipment to allied and friendly countries to help increase security and sustainable peace,” said Bagheri at the opening ceremony. 

What it is:  Iran’s Ababil drones are made for combat purposes. Some of the unmanned aerial vehicles used by Iranian proxy groups and allies in Lebanon, Gaza, Iraq and Yemen bear a resemblance to them, according to the United States Institute of Peace. 

Why it matters:  Iran has sought to improve relations with Tajikistan in recent years, as it has with other states in Central Asia. In February, officials from both countries pledged to increase bilateral trade to $500 million annually. Trade between the two countries amounted to $121 million in 2021, a more than 100% increase from the $55 million in 2020

In the military sphere, Bagheri met Tajik Defense Minister Sherali Mirzo yesterday. The two pledged to cooperate on Afghanistan, counter-terrorism and stopping drug smuggling. They also endorsed holding joint military drills, according to the Islamic Republic News Agency. 

The Persian language is the lingua franca in both Iran and Tajikistan.

Iran’s drone technology is crucial to its military operations in the Middle East. Iran has provided drones to its allies in Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Units and Houthi rebels in Yemen. Israeli officials fear Iran is providing Lebanon’s Hezbollah with drones in light of a Hezbollah drone violating Israel’s airspace in February. In March, Iran accused Israel of destroying hundreds of its attack drones.

Join hundreds of Middle East professionals with Al-Monitor PRO.

Business and policy professionals use PRO to monitor the regional economy and improve their reports, memos and presentations. Try it for free and cancel anytime.

Already a Member? Sign in

Free

The Middle East's Best Newsletters

Join over 50,000 readers who access our journalists dedicated newsletters, covering the top political, security, business and tech issues across the region each week.
Delivered straight to your inbox.

Free

What's included:
Our Expertise

Free newsletters available:

  • The Takeaway & Week in Review
  • Middle East Minute (AM)
  • Daily Briefing (PM)
  • Business & Tech Briefing
  • Security Briefing
  • Gulf Briefing
  • Israel Briefing
  • Palestine Briefing
  • Turkey Briefing
  • Iraq Briefing
Expert

Premium Membership

Join the Middle East's most notable experts for premium memos, trend reports, live video Q&A, and intimate in-person events, each detailing exclusive insights on business and geopolitical trends shaping the region.

$25.00 / month
billed annually

Become Member Start with 1-week free trial
What's included:
Our Expertise AI-driven

Memos - premium analytical writing: actionable insights on markets and geopolitics.

Live Video Q&A - Hear from our top journalists and regional experts.

Special Events - Intimate in-person events with business & political VIPs.

Trend Reports - Deep dive analysis on market updates.

Text Alerts - Be the first to get breaking news, exclusives, and PRO content.

All premium Industry Newsletters - Monitor the Middle East's most important industries. Prioritize your target industries for weekly review:

  • Capital Markets & Private Equity
  • Venture Capital & Startups
  • Green Energy
  • Supply Chain
  • Sustainable Development
  • Leading Edge Technology
  • Oil & Gas
  • Real Estate & Construction
  • Banking

We also offer team plans. Please send an email to pro.support@al-monitor.com and we'll onboard your team.

Already a Member? Sign in

Start your PRO membership today.

Join the Middle East's top business and policy professionals to access exclusive PRO insights today.

Join Al-Monitor PRO Start with 1-week free trial