CENTCOM tests new drone and communications capabilities in the Middle East

US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Wednesday that “Force 99,” under the Air Forces Command, is providing deployed forces in the Middle East with new capabilities in the fields of drones and communications.

In a post on the X platform, the command added that this force is testing “innovative tools to enhance combat effectiveness on the battlefield.”

Earlier on Tuesday evening, CENTCOM denied claims by an Iranian Revolutionary Guard commander that Tehran has full control over the Strait of Hormuz, describing his statements as “baseless assertions.”

Responding via the X platform, CENTCOM stated: “The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Navy commander has no naval force, because US forces sank it.” It added that “Iran does not control the Strait of Hormuz, and the proof is the passage of thousands of merchant ships through the strait and the transport of more than a billion barrels of oil in recent months.”

CENTCOM further stated that “the United States and its regional partners clearly exercise control over the strait,” noting that 19 million barrels of crude oil passed through the strait in a single day alone, with the assistance of US forces and their partners.

In Tehran, Iran’s defense minister nominee, Mehrdad Akhlaghi Ketabchi, announced on Wednesday during a special parliamentary session to present his program that “developing various ballistic missile and cruise missile systems” would be part of his plans if he assumes the position.

According to Iranian media, Akhlaghi Ketabchi cited among his priorities “enhancing the effectiveness of warheads in line with current and future needs,” and “significantly and unexpectedly increasing the salaries of armed forces personnel.”

He also said: “We will work to accelerate the acquisition of technology for manufacturing heavy multi-role fighter jets, a project that was previously initiated.”

Referring to the land domain, Akhlaghi added that among his plans, if he gains the confidence of parliamentarians, are “developing technology for the design and manufacturing of artillery systems, missiles, guided and smart mortar shells, developing production lines for modern small arms, and developing and upgrading various anti-tank systems.”

Akhlaghi Ketabchi is a veteran official at the Ministry of Defense, with close ties to Iran’s missile and space industries. In 2007, the UN Security Council designated him as head of the “Baqeri Industrial Group,” an entity affiliated with Iran’s Ministry of Defense and linked to its ballistic missile program.

The significance of Akhlaghi Ketabchi’s nomination stems from the vital role played by the “Aerospace Industries Organization” within the Ministry of Defense structure, as its activities are linked to fields such as missile industries, aerospace and aviation industries, and certain equipment and systems related to these sectors.