Iran's Ministry of Defence recently released video footage of what it claims is the launch of a suicide drone from a submarine.
The video distributed via Iranian state media earlier this week shows a torpedo-shaped weapon delivery device breaching the surface of the water at an unidentified location and deploying a compact, folding-wing drone into the air.
The drone is then shown flying for an unknown duration before eventually descending and detonating its warhead upon striking a simulated land target.
Iranian defence officials claim that the drone is autonomous and relies on AI to locate and attack its designated target without human intervention, whether manually or remotely. Because the drone does not rely on a radio link for guidance, it is less susceptible to electronic jamming.
Officials added that the drone can also be launched from autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) as alternatives to manned submarines.
The defence ministry also claims that the suicide drone is the first submarine-launched munition of its type anywhere in the world.