Iran’s air, ground forces hold joint drill

Iran’s army has kicked off a week-long military drill involving ground and air forces in the country’s southeastern province of Sistan Baluchestan.

“The purpose of these maneuvers is to display the abilities of the ground and air forces, to evaluate the forces’ martial abilities, and to raise preparedness against enemy [attacks],” Iran’s Deputy Army Commander Brigadier General Abdul-Rahim Mousavi was quoted by IRNA as saying on Sunday.

The senior Iranian army commander said the forces were performing heliborne operations as well as rapid troop deployment methods during the maneuvers.

He added that the military maneuvers, dubbed the ‘Grand Jafar Tayar Drill,’ would be a good opportunity for the forces to test new military hardware and combat tactics.

Earlier this month, Brigadier General Ali Arasteh announced plans by the ground forces of Iran’s Army to stage new military maneuvers to maintain preparedness.

Brig. Gen. Ali Arasteh further said that the ground forces have been monitoring latest developments in the region and have upgraded their defense and deterrent capabilities. He also underlined the ‘supremacy’ of Iran’s military forces among regional countries.

Iranian officials have warned that any act of aggression by the United States or Israel against any targets in the Islamic Republic would draw a firm and immediate response that would not be limited to targets in the Middle East region.