News - Middle East: The commander of the Iranian Army’s Air Force says there has been a significant increase in the force’s drone capability compared to a year before.

Brigadier General Hamid Vahedi made the remarks while briefing Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei on Wednesday in Tehran during a meeting of a group of Iranian Air Force commanders and personnel with the Leader.

Referring to the achievements of the Air Force during last year, Vahedi said that “the drone power has increased by 33 percent.”

Elsewhere in his remarks, the commander pointed to a host of other achievements, including designing and manufacturing piston and turbine engines, producing F-14 fighter jet simulators, overhauling 29 fighter jets, and aerial refueling in the Persian Gulf region to “counter threats.”

The Leader also addressed officers in the meeting which is held annually on February 8 to mark the day when Iranian Air Force commanders and personnel made a historic declaration of allegiance to the late founder of the Islamic Republic Imam Khomeini in 1979.