Iran’s defense week begins with major parade

Iranian armed forces start a major parade on the first day of week-long ceremonies held to commemorate eight years of defense during the 1980’s war with Saddam-ruled Iraq.

The parade, which began Tuesday morning, included marches and aerial maneuvers by parachuters, fighters and helicopters.

The main branches of Iran’s armed forces, the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), the Iranian Military, and the Basij voluntary force all took part in the event.

Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), and the Iranian Military both have separate but coordinate army, navy and air forces.

Fighter jets, tactical planes, reconnaissance aircrafts and tankers were among the air force fleet that staged maneuvers during the parade.

Helicopters, unmanned planes, sophisticated missile defense systems, were also displayed.

The deterrent missiles included Azarakhsh (lighting) and Saeqeh (thunderbolt), a joint product of the Iranian air force and the defense ministry, which were also exhibited during last year’s Holy Defense Week parades.

The domestically-manufactured Sejjil missile was also showcased for the first time during the parade.

Tanks, air defense systems, and other missiles, from short-range to long range, were also part of the show.

Military parades are among various events that the Islamic Republic holds in remembrance of the sacrifices its armed forces made during the eight years of war (1980-1988) with Iraq’s former dictator Saddam Hossein.

Other ceremonies include photo displays throughout cities and towns, seminars and cultural events.

A simultaneous exercise was also held in southern Iran, on the shores of the Persian Gulf. The ceremony, which drew a large crowd of onlookers, included a march and another display of military equipment.