TEHRAN – Iranian naval forces prepared to enter the operational stage of large missile and drone drills on Wednesday. A Drill spokesman informed that during the Tehran era it was based on Iran’s fighting and defence experience, including the recent 12-day war with Israel.
Vice Admiral Abbas Hassani said the drills will be thoroughly reviewed on Wednesday and will be held on Thursday. “The area on Iran’s southern border, located in the North Indian Ocean and the Sea of Oman, will be a place of training,” he told the Tehran Times. “We run drills every day. The scenarios we practice come from high school.” The Vice Admiral did not elaborate on which bodies created a new training combat scenario. But perhaps one of them is the newly established Defense Council (a subsidiary of the Supreme National Security Council), which was established after the recent war with Israel.
“Today, we reviewed the scenarios. They include both defensive and offensive tactics. From intercepting enemy missiles from sinking warships, the Islamic Republic navy in Iran is ready to respond to any threat.”
A variety of naval units will take part in the exercise, including underwater, air, and combat units. Intercoastal missile sites and sea-based missile platforms are being used, ready to test short-range, mid-range and long-range projectiles.
“There is no limit to the number and type of missiles and drones we use, because whatever the scenario requires, our arsenal is full of all sorts of weapons we need to prepare for future threats,” Hasani says. “However, we can tell you that a variety of precision guided cruise missiles, short, medium, long range, are being selected to target and destroy surface targets.”
The Vice Admiral explained that the exercise has two main goals: It creates deterrent forces and ensures that the Iranian people are ready and vigilant.
“Iran is by no means an invader. Our military power is always used to protect our lands and people. That’s why we consider fighting the enemy sacred. The Iranian people must know that the Artists will fight the last blood for Iran’s safety and prosperity.”
Iranian military and political leaders have repeatedly emphasized in recent weeks that the 12-day war that fought Israel in June could be reopened at any time, and that the military has warned that it could be that possibility. Reports show that Iran is aiming to repair and strengthen its defense system, and plans to deploy a new generation of weapons if Israel decides to start another war.