Cobras join Iran’s PG naval drills

Cobra choppers have joined the second day of Iran’s military maneuvers in the Straight of Hormuz and the Sea of Oman, successfully carrying out tactical operations.

Cobra helicopters were flown to the south of Iran on Thursday, where they attacked and shot down surface and sub-surface mock enemy targets.

Iran’s helicopter gunships were also dispatched to the area to act as covers for Cobra choppers during the tactical operation in Iranian territorial waters.

According to Fars news agency, Iranian Navy destroyers accompanied by frigates and submarines carried out reconnaissance missions during Thursday’s maneuvers.

Admiral Qassem Rostam Abadi, the maneuvers’ spokesperson, said the reconnaissance missions were aimed at securing Iran’s shipping routes in the Sea of Oman.

The Iranian army is scheduled to carry out electronic and anti-electronic warfare later on Thursday and gather radar information in the region, the military official added.

Meanwhile, Brigadier General Kiumars Ahadi — another commander with Iran’s Military — said troops and military hardware will be dispatched to the area during the drill through special heliborne operations.

Iranian Navy commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari said earlier that by holding the maneuver, Tehran sought to send out a message of “peace and friendship” to regional states.

The military drill dubbed Velayat 89 is due to last eight days.

Around 40 percent of the world’s crude passes through waterways in the south of Iran.