Iran has revealed a significant technological leap by announcing that its naval warships and missiles are now integrated with artificial intelligence (AI), international media reported.
This development is part of a broader initiative to modernise the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy, with a specific focus on enhancing warships and long-range missile systems through AI capabilities.
The announcement comes in the wake of Iran’s previous unveiling of the Fattah hypersonic missile in June, boasting a remarkable 1,400-kilometer range and the ability to surpass regional air defense systems by traveling at 15 times the speed of sound.
Following this hypersonic missile, Iran introduced the Fattah-2 hypersonic ballistic missile, capable of flying at speeds exceeding Mach 5. Additionally, in late November, the nation added the 1,400-ton Deilaman destroyer to its Caspian Sea fleet, showcasing a series of technological advancements in its naval capabilities.
The latest announcement, made by the IRGC navy chief Alireza Tangsiri, reveals that Iran’s missiles are now equipped with AI technology.
Tangsiri stated that in the naval domain, Iran possesses vessels capable of firing missiles designed with a unique and entirely Iranian approach, featuring extended range and increased speed.
One such AI-equipped missile highlighted is the Abu Mahdi, with a claimed range of over 1,000 kilometers. The incorporation of AI in these missiles is expected to allow for autonomous functions such as target acquisition and engagement, thereby minimizing the need for human intervention.
Beyond the operational advantages, the integration of AI also provides additional benefits, such as enhanced protection against jamming and electronic warfare.
This announcement underscores Iran’s continued efforts to bolster its defense capabilities and assert its technological prowess on the international stage, even as it faces significant challenges and scrutiny from the global community.
