Drone Warfare: Iran's Growing Threat to Israel's National Security

Iran ’ s drone threat has been increasing in recent years. Reports on the evening of April 13 that Iran had launched drones targeting Israel are the latest example of how the Iranian drone threat is expanding across the Middle East and also threatening the world. How Israel used small FPV drones to infiltrate Iran , learning from Ukraine's drone warfare tactics: the silent invasion. How Israel used spies, smuggled drones and AI to stun and hobble Iran The opening salvo of the Israel - Iran war was the ‘culmination of years of work,’ Israeli intelligence and military. The regime’s large and growing drone force, which can be used for reconnaissance or strike missions, now poses an existential threat to the Gulf states and a direct threat to Israel , as does its formidable missile force. The 2025 Iran – Israel conflict has dramatically reshaped regional aerial warfare –impacting airspace security , air defence systems, and the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This detailed analysis explores how modern aviation and defense technologies are being deployed on both sides and what it means for the future of aerial combat. Experts say the carrier improves Iran ’ s asymmetric warfare strategy and signals Tehran’s intentions to extend its operational reach beyond the Persian Gulf into more distant waters—but they also point to significant limitations in its offensive and deterrent capabilities. In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel, Iran has launched over 100 drones toward Israel, marking its first major retaliation to Israel’s extensive airstrikes against the regime and its nuclear facilities. Analysts say the new vessel bolsters Iran’s naval reach but remains highly vulnerable to Israeli air and sea forces. Iran has expanded its naval capabilities with the introduction of its first drone carrier, the Shahid Bagheri, into the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) fleet. Sirens sounded in Israel as Iran launched dozens of ballistic missiles in retaliation for Israel's strikes on its nuclear facilities.