A senior Iranian commander says the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) and the Army plan to hold a massive 7-day nationwide maneuver in the eastern parts of the country.

Commander of Khatam al-Anbiya Air Defense Command Brigadier General Farzad Esmaili told reporters on Thursday that the maneuver dubbed "Modafe’an-e Aseman-e Velayat 4," (Defenders of Velayat Skies 4) will be held later in November with the participation of units from the IRGC and other forces of the Army.

He added that the military exercise will be carried out in an area of more than 850,000 square kilometers to display the full strength and preparedness of Iran’s air defense forces to defend the Islamic Republic’s eastern borders.

The Iranian commander noted that various long-range radars and electronic surveillance systems will be tested during the drill.


Esmaili further said that the maneuver will display Iran’s defense policies in the air defense sector.

He added that the units would practice modern tactics in proportion to the recent threats made in certain parts of the world.

Earlier in July, the air defense units conducted a three-day drill with the successful downing of the mock enemy’s unmanned stealth aircraft by the army’s artillery units.

Iran has held several major defense drills in recent months amid threats made and accusations leveled against the country's peaceful nuclear program by the US and its allies.

Iran has repeatedly stated that its military might poses no threat to other countries, reiterating that its defense doctrine is based on deterrence.

Tehran maintains that the maneuvers are defensive in nature and meant to convey a message of peace and friendship to regional countries.
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