Iran has unveiled an upgraded Arash-3 kamikaze drone with a larger warhead while continuing to rebuild and expand its underground Nasher 44 airbase amid concerns over renewed fighting in the Middle East.

The new unmanned aircraft is significantly larger than its predecessor, the Arash-2, and carries a warhead weighing between 100 and 150 kilograms.

The Arash-3 measures approximately 3.5 meters in length and has a wingspan of around 2.5 meters. Despite the changes to its size and payload, the drone retains a piston engine.

Its navigation system combines satellite data with onboard trajectory calculations, allowing the aircraft to continue flying even when GPS signals are unavailable.

Artificial intelligence is also reportedly incorporated into the drone’s guidance system.

Meanwhile, Iran is restoring its Nasher 44 underground airbase in the southern part of the country. The facility was reportedly attacked at least three times during the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.

Satellite images published by Western sources indicate that construction of a new runway section has been completed, while work on another section remains underway.

However, the airbase still shows signs of damage from previous strikes. Two auxiliary buildings remain destroyed, a third is damaged, and evidence of explosions is visible near the entrances to the underground tunnels.

The facility is designed to accommodate fighter aircraft and drones. It may also be used to store cruise and ballistic missiles.

The development of the Arash-3 and the expansion of Nasher 44 come as Iran continues preparing its military capabilities for the possibility of renewed large-scale hostilities in the region.