“The air defense of the Islamic Republic of Iran fully resists against any threat and uses its utmost capacity to counter threats,” Commander of Khatam al-Anbiya Air Defense Base Command Brigadier General Farzad Esmaili told IRNA on Friday.
He pointed to a massive nationwide maneuver which is scheduled to be held by the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) and the Army in the eastern parts of the country and added that the Armed Forces’ drills are aimed at defending ideals and prestige of the Islamic establishment.
Units from the IRGC and other forces of the Army are scheduled to hold "Modafe’an-e Aseman-e Velayat 4," (Defenders of Velayat Skies 4) maneuver 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 said Khatam al-Anbiya Air Defense Base scrutinizes all maneuvers in the region and across the world while other countries also monitor Iran’s drills.
Esmaili told reporters on Thursday that various long-range radars and electronic surveillance systems will be tested during the drill, adding the maneuver will display Iran’s defense policies in the air defense sector.
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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