Iranian kamikaze drones hit Azerbaijani airport
3 minute readPublished: Thursday, March 5, 2026 at 9:41 am
Iranian Drones Strike Azerbaijani Airport, Injuring Civilians
Two Iranian-made drones struck Nakhchivan International Airport in Azerbaijan, injuring two people and damaging civilian infrastructure, according to Azerbaijan's foreign ministry. The incident occurred near the Iranian border in the Nakhchivan exclave, approximately 10 kilometers from Iranian territory.
The foreign ministry reported that two drones entered Azerbaijani airspace. One drone hit the airport terminal, while the other landed near a school building in a nearby village. A source indicated that a fire was sparked at the airport. Emergency services responded to the scene. Local media reported two separate drone impacts, suggesting the event was not accidental.
Regional reports identified the drones as Arash-2 loitering munitions, Iranian-made kamikaze drones designed for long-range strike missions. The Arash-2 is larger and faster than the Shahed-136 drone. It carries a warhead estimated at up to 120 kilograms and is designed to strike stationary targets through a self-destructive attack. These types of drones fly towards a target area and then dive into the objective upon detection or confirmation of coordinates.
Iran has previously deployed Arash-series drones in attacks targeting infrastructure and military facilities in the Middle East, including Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. Nakhchivan International Airport is the primary aviation hub for the exclave, playing a crucial role in transportation links. Damage to such infrastructure could disrupt civilian travel and regional logistics.
Azerbaijan's government condemned the drone incident, stating that the attack violates international law and risks escalating regional tensions.
BNN's Perspective: This incident is concerning, as it highlights the potential for escalating tensions in a strategically sensitive region. While the exact motivations behind the attack remain unclear, the use of Iranian-made drones against civilian infrastructure is a serious matter. It underscores the need for de-escalation and adherence to international norms to prevent further instability.
Keywords: Iranian drones, Azerbaijan, Nakhchivan, airport attack, Arash-2, loitering munitions, kamikaze drones, border incident, civilian infrastructure, regional tensions.