Iran’s Navy test-fires new missiles amid drills

Iran’s Navy has successfully test-fired new domestically-manufactured missiles during the military maneuvers underway in the strategic southern waters.

The naval drills began on Sunday across the Strait of Hormuz, Sea of Oman, and the northern part of the Indian Ocean. They mark the final phase of the maneuvers, codenamed Velayat 95, which started earlier this month.

During Monday’s exercises, laser-guided anti-submarine Dehlaviyeh missiles were put to test for the first time to destroy mock hostile targets.

The latest Iranian cruise missile, named Nasir, also premiered during the drills.

Speaking on the sidelines of the maneuvers, Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Hossein Dehqan said Nasir missiles successfully hit the designated targets following their launch.

Meanwhile, Navy commandos and strategic Special Operations Brigade practiced military operations aimed at defending territorial waters and the country’s southern coastline.

The forces used domestically-built Ra’ad boats, mounted with SPG-9 73-millimeter caliber guns, and Azarakhsh boats, fitted with 122-millimeter caliber rocket launchers.

Also assessed in the drills was the “telemedicine” medical assistance provision system, which enables remote medical diagnosis.

Announcing the beginning of the maneuvers, Navy Commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari said, “The aim of the Velayat 95 drill is to upgrade the country’s defensive capabilities and send Iran’s message of peace and friendship to the regional countries.”

The Islamic Republic has invariably asserted that its military prowess is in the service of its defense, countering full-on foreign state-sponsored propaganda campaigns targeting such maneuvers.