‘Aerial drills prove Iran’s independence’

Commander in chief of the Iranian Army says the main message of recent aerial drills by the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF) was independence and self-reliance.

Major General Ataollah Salehi said on Thursday that aerial drills dubbed “Fadaeeyan Harim Velayat 3” (Defenders of Velayat Sanctuary 3) signaled the power of the Air Force to head off all threats, IRNA reported.

Speaking to reporters through video conference, he expressed satisfaction about the way maneuvers were carried out in the country’s northwest.

“When we see readiness of young pilots, we realize that the Islamic Revolution’s efforts have borne fruit,” he added.

The three-phased aerial drills, which ended Thursday, sought to simulate real-world scenarios in preparation for defending the nation against possible foreign attacks.

During the first two days of the main phase, various types of domestically-built fighter jets, including Saeqeh, F-4, F-5 and F-7, carried out various practice mission, employing new tactics.

In the last day of the drills on Thursday, C-130 tactical transport aircraft and Mig-29 fighter jets performed practice operations.