‘IRIAF to hold military drill in Sept.’

A senior Iranian commander says the annual aerial drill to be conducted by the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF) will not be held in collaboration with any other country.

“The aerial exercise is held annually and is fully domestic and as has been the case with previous drills no other country will be participating in it,” IRNA reported Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh, an Iranian Air Force commander as saying on Friday.

An earlier report had suggested that Iran would be collaborating with a second country to hold a military exercise.

The Senior commander said the military drill would be held in early September if necessary preparations are made

“The military exercise will feature all of the combat aircraft of the Army’s Air Force including the native Saeqeh (Thunderbolt) fighter jet,” he continued.

The Saeqeh fighter-bombers have the ability to track down enemy aircraft, engage in combat, target locations on the ground, and carry an assortment of weapons and ammunition.

Outlining the objectives of this military drill, Nasirzadeh said, “The Army Air Force drills are held every year with the aim of elevating the level of our defensive might and [improving] the aviation prowess of this force.”

The Iranian commander added that the latest achievements of the Air Force would be displayed in the upcoming drill.