TEHRAN (Tasnim) � The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy Commander Rear Admiral Ali Fadavi described pilotless aircraft as one of the crucial factors contributing to the capabilities of his forces.

During a visit to the IRGC Navy�s drone command headquarters on Wednesday, Rear Admiral Fadavi said the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) unit has become a pillar of the IRGC Navy�s combat and operational power.

Drones account for the fifth pillar of the Navy�s operational capabilities in addition to vessels, commandos, missiles and air-sea equipment, he added.

As time goes by, the significant role of the pilotless aircraft becomes clearer in the world armies, he explained.

Iran is now in possession of a broad range of UAVs which can be used for both civilian and military purposes.

Experts at the IRGC Aerospace Force have already manufactured a homegrown version of the US RQ-170 stealth drone through reverse engineering.

The advanced American aircraft was captured in northeastern Iran in December 2011.\

By Tasnim News Agency