Iran wraps up major aerial drill over Persian Gulf

The Islamic Republic of Iran’s Air Force (IRIAF) has wrapped up a major military drill over the country’s southern Persian Gulf waters.

The drill, codenamed Fada’eeyan-e Harim-e Velayat 4 (Defenders of Velayat Sanctuary 4), was successfully wrapped up on Saturday.

Hossein Chitforoushan, the spokesman for the drill, said that the maneuver, which involved units from all IRIAF bases, demonstrated the military prowess of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Armed Forces.

He said that different types of rockets, light and heavy smart guided-bombs, indigenous military equipment and latest aerial combat achievements underwent operational tests in the drill.

He added that interceptor fighters, bomber fighters, heavy and semi-heavy transport aircraft, reconnaissance airplanes and maritime patrol aircraft successfully carried out their operations and hit aerial and stationary targets in the Persian Gulf’s southern islands and the area of the drill as scheduled.

Chitforoushan said that Iran successfully achieved all the objectives of the drill, adding that the maneuver aimed to send a message of “security, peace and friendship” to all regional countries and show IRIAF’s preparedness to defend the country under any conditions.

Deputy IRIAF Commander Brigadier General Alireza Barkhor told reporters Thursday that the maneuver was part of annual drills aimed at testing indigenous air defense systems, improving the units’ combat readiness and displaying the country’s military might and achievements.

In recent years, Iran has made major breakthroughs in its defense sector and attained self-sufficiency in producing important military equipment and systems.

The Islamic Republic has conducted several military drills to enhance the defense capabilities of its armed forces and to test modern military tactics and equipment.

Iran says its military might poses no threat to other countries, stating that its defense doctrine is based on deterrence.