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Iranian Army initiates large-scale drills along southern shores
The drill, codenamed Zolfaqar-1403, kicked off on Saturday, and various infantry, armored and mechanized units, air defense systems, unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), unmanned surface vessels (USVs) as well as air force strategic bombers for logistical support are participating in it, Press TV reported.
Organized under the theme “Stable Security under the Shadow of Self-Reliance, Unity, and Power,” the exercise is set to test an array of military capabilities.
Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari, deputy chief of the Army for Coordination, and the commander of the compound drill, stated that the primary goal of the exercise is to enhance the defensive and deterrence capabilities of the Iranian Armed Forces in the face of potential aerial, ground and naval threats.
He warned enemies against attempts to harm Iran’s territorial integrity and interests, emphasizing that any act of aggression against the Islamic Republic will be met with a crushing response.
The senior military commander noted that the massive exercise also serves as a testing ground for the new tactics that are drawn up and employed by young personnel of the Iranian Army.
New generations of domestically-developed arms, indigenous smart munitions, and homegrown weapons equipped with pinpoint accuracy systems, in addition to a wide array of missiles, will be tested, Sayyari explained.
Iranian military forces hold routine exercises according to a detailed schedule in various parts of the country in order to test their weaponry and equipment and evaluate their combat preparedness.
In recent weeks, Iran has conducted military exercises across the country, including near nuclear facilities in the west and center of the country.
The country’s officials have repeatedly underscored that the country will not hesitate to strengthen its military capabilities and that Iran’s defense capabilities will never be subject to negotiations.