Azernews.Az

By Sara Rajabova

Iran will hold massive air defense military drills, Commander of Khatam al-Anbiya Air Defense Base Brigadier General Farzad Esmaili said, IRNA reported.

Esmaili noted that the drills will be held by the end of October - beginning of November, adding all of Iran's air defense forces, including those of the national army and IRGC will be participating in the drills.

Revealing further details, the commander said the drills will take place on mountainous zones and difficult to traverse areas, under cold weather conditions.

He went on to note that Iran will be using air defense systems, including the most recent ones, unmanned drones, and aircrafts.

According to Esmaili, a total of 12,000 people would be participating in the drills (8000 + additional back-up personnel).

The goal of the drills is to find and neutralize new potential threats.

Furthermore, Esmaili noted that Iran remains a key player in sustaining the region's stability while safeguarding its territory against invaders.

He said the Iranian Armed Forces will use their progressive military capability to deter threats from arrogant powers, protect the country's national interests, and promote peace and stability for other independent nations and allies.

Iranian general also highlighted Iran's military achievements over the past years, noting how the country has managed to design and produce modern defense systems and equipment in the face of Western sanctions.

Recently, Esmaili announced that the exercise, dubbed the Modafe'an-e Aseman-e Velayat 5 (Defenders of the Velayat Skies 5), would be held late in September.

He further said the maneuver would be larger than the previous military exercise, which was held in eastern Iran last year.

Esmaili also noted that various long-range radars and passive defense systems would be tested during the drill, adding that the maneuver would cover hard-to-reach valleys under extreme weather conditions.

The Iranian army recently test-fired different types of newly-developed missiles and torpedoes and tested a large number of its domestic weapons, tools and equipment, including submarines, military ships, artillery, choppers, aircraft, UAVs and air defense and electronic systems during massive military drills.

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

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