Azernews.Az

By Sara Rajabova

Iranian Army plans to test new long-rage weapons as well as smart armor-piercing missiles in upcoming military exercises in late December.

Kioumars Heidari, Lieutenant Commander of the Iranian Ground Force Brigadier General said all the new domestically-developed weapons and equipment supplied to the ground forces of the army since the previous drills will be tested in the upcoming maneuvers, the Iranian media reported on December 7.

Heidari said these weapons include weaponry used against enemy's air operations, maneuvers and equipment as well as new long-range weapons.

He also added that the new military equipment including anti-aircraft weapons and anti-armor missiles which have been recently delivered to the army will be tested in the drill.

Earlier, Iranian Ground Force Commander Lieutenant General Ahmad Reza Pourdastan said that the Army's Ground Forces are to hold military exercises in the country’s southeastern territory in the first half of Iranian 10th calendar month (Dec.22-Jan. 5).

Pourdastan said the tactical battle and ways to combat new threats will be worked out during the exercises. During the exercises in the desert real bullets will be used. He added that the drills will also involve the unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which will take pictures and organize attacks. The army will use suicide and surveillance drones in the drill, he said.

Iran has recently taken great strides in defense sector and attained self-sufficiency in producing essential military equipment and systems. Iran has so far unveiled various domestically produced drones, including Ababil, Fotros, Hazem, Karrar (long range attack drone), Mohajer, Sarir, Shahed 129, Yasir and Zohal.

Since 1992, Iran has manufactured its own tanks, armored personnel carriers, missiles, radars, boats, submarines and fighter planes. Tehran has frequently announced that its military might poses no threat to other countries, stating that its defense doctrine is based on deterrence.

Iran has also conducted several military drills to enhance the defense capabilities of its armed forces and to test modern military tactics and equipment.