The Iranian military has studied the war in Ukraine in depth to draw operational and technological lessons, with a particular focus on the massive use of drones, artificial intelligence and the modernization of military tactics. This is what emerges from a long report by the Financial Times which analyzed over 300 articles published in the last five years in Iranian military magazines, which offer a rare insight into the debate within the armed forces of the Islamic Republic.
Among the key figures cited is Hossein Dadvand, commander of an important training institute north of Tehran, who even before the recent conflict with Israel and the United States had called for investments in more mobile units, production of low-cost drones also using 3D printers and integration of artificial intelligence into weapon systems. The publications, signed by officers, commanders and analysts, indicate that Tehran has carefully observed both Russian performance and Ukraine’s ability to adapt to a more powerful adversary. Among the priorities emerge the strengthening of cyberwarfare capabilities, the modernization of air defense and a review of strategic planning, considered lacking in the face of “new threats”. Military journals also offer guidance on possible operational scenarios, such as control of the Strait of Hormuz or defense against an amphibious invasion, suggesting aggressive approaches in the former case and the use of naval mines as a deterrent in the latter. Another recurring theme concerns the need to renew the air fleet, with proposals for the purchase of Russian Su-35 fighters and for the integration of suicide drones and target selection systems based on artificial intelligence.