Iran begins day 2 of Defenders of the Velayat Skies 4

The Iranian military has begun the second day of its seven-day drills dubbed Modafe’an-e Aseman-e Velayat 4 (Defenders of the Velayat Skies 4).

The massive joint maneuver involving Iran’s Army and the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) was launched in the country’s South Khorasan Province located in the east of the country on Monday with the order of Commander of Khatam al-Anbiya Air Defense Base Brigadier General Farzad Esmaili.

Radar air defense and missile systems as well as tapping, artillery and surveillance systems will be employed during the first stage of the maneuver.

According to IRIB news, F-4, F-5, F-7, F-14, Mirage and Sukhoi fighter jets as well as refueling aircraft will also be deployed in the maneuver. Esmaili said last week that the military drill would be carried out in an area of more than 850,000 square kilometers.

Iran has held several major defense drills in recent months amid threats against the country by Israel and the US.

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