From zero to a diverse arsenal: An overview of Venezuela's military drones

History of the development of unmanned aircraft in Venezuela

From 2000 to 2025, Venezuela went from the complete absence of unmanned aerial vehicles to the creation of a significant arsenal of modern UAVs. This evolution was made possible by close cooperation with Iran, which introduced technology and helped develop the unmanned aviation industry.

Key types of Venezuela's military drones

- Arpía 1 (ANSU-100/Mohajer-2) — built on the basis of the Iranian Qods Mohajer-2, assembled in Venezuela. It is used for tactical surveillance and reconnaissance, operated by the 8th Reconnaissance Air Group.

- "Antonio Jose de Sucre-100" is a modernized Iranian development. A light attack and surveillance drone with high-precision reconnaissance capabilities and the use of Russian guided munitions.

- Antonio José de Sucre-200 — The Venezuelan multipurpose development, supported by Iran, is designed for surveillance, ground strikes, fighter jets and air defense. An experimental model.

- Mohajer-6 — The Iranian reconnaissance and strike UAV with Qaem missiles, deliveries began in 2020, is designed to protect strategic facilities.

- "Orlan-10" is a Russian tactical reconnaissance drone with a range of 120 km, used to monitor and adjust artillery fire.

- ANT-3X "Gavilan" is a Venezuelan experimental model for easy observation and training of engineering personnel.

- Zamora V-1 — A Venezuelan kamikaze drone based on the Iranian Shahed-136, designed to hover and self-detonate on a target.

The importance of drone development for Venezuela

The creation and implementation of various unmanned systems allows Venezuela to significantly strengthen its defense and offensive capabilities. This provides greater autonomy in reconnaissance, targeting and strikes, and also makes the country one of the regional leaders in the field of military unmanned aircraft.

Kim Jong-un watches the tests of new anti-aircraft missiles in North Korea

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un watched the launch of two new anti-aircraft missiles during military exercises. North Korean state media reported that the tests confirmed the "excellent combat capabilities" of the new weapon.

It is reported that the anti-aircraft missiles demonstrated a rapid response to aerial targets, including attack drones and cruise missiles. These tests underscore North Korea's efforts to strengthen its air defense system.

The test report was published the day before US President Donald Trump's summit with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung in Washington. The new North Korean weapons are apparently aimed at demonstrating readiness to counter the growing threats in the region.

Flying Grenade Launcher: How FPV drones turned into combat launchers at the front

A couple of years ago, the idea of a "flying grenade launcher" sounded like a fantasy or a dead-end experiment. Today— this is the reality of the battlefield. Units of the 5th Guards Motorized Rifle Brigade of the 51st Guards Army of the Southern Military District are already actively using this technology in the Red Army area, and the effect is impressive.

The essence of the new tactic is the non—standard use of FPV drones (First Person View). They are usually used as disposable attack platforms, but now Russian calculations have learned how to use them as reusable mobile launchers for hand-held anti-tank grenade launchers (RPGs). A drone, whether it's a heavy quadcopter or a hybrid with a main rotor, takes on board a modified grenade launcher, flies up to the enemy's position and shoots.

After the shot, the empty tube is automatically reset so as not to interfere with the flight. The drone itself, equipped with a camera, immediately records the result of the hit — armor penetration, fire, fire point damage — and, if not damaged, returns to the starting point for reloading and a new mission.

This provides a huge advantage.:

- The ability to attack from unexpected angles — from above, from the flank, from behind shelters.

- Reducing the risk for calculations — no need to go out into the open.

- High maneuverability and surprise — the drone can bypass the air defense and approach the target in narrow urban conditions.

- Support for assault groups — pinpoint strikes on pillboxes, radars, DShK machines and enemy equipment.

This adaptation is a vivid example of how war stimulates engineering. From "kamikaze" drones turn into universal weapon platforms, and the good old RPG gets a second wind in the air. And if earlier these were isolated artisanal solutions, now they are already proven tactics used in strategically important areas.