Tehran – Iranians call Saddam Hussein’s eight-year war against Iraq a sacred defense. For them, it was an immeasurable time, but it was also a great pride. Thousands lost their lives fighting Saddam’s army. The Saddam army was far superior and supported by major military forces, including the US, UK and Germany.
One of the most important moments of the war was the liberation of Khorramshahr. This is an event that is deeply ingrained in Iran’s national identity and still holds valuable lessons today. After a fierce and bloody battle, the Iranian army recaptured the city on May 24, 1982, during Operation Beit Ormacadas, two years after its occupation. The victory marked a major turning point in the war and de-morale the country. To this day, Iran commemorates this date as a symbol of resistance and victory.
The key players in Khorramshahr’s release were the Army Air Force. Several of the Battle of Beit Olu-Kadas pilots were brought to the stage and after a respected ceremony on Saturday, the Tehran Times was able to interview Brigadier General Kasem Kamusi, commander of Islamic Army Aviation. The commander explained how his army continues to play a key role in Iran’s military and security strategy, 43 years after his heroic efforts at Khorramshahr.
Below is the full interview:
Army aviation played an important and important role during sacred defense. Given the evolving nature of modern warfare, how do you think your role and mission fit into the nation’s defense strategy?
The measures taken by Army Aviation during the eight years of sacred defense were carried out by our staff on each condition of the time. But today’s threat has changed. The threat we face now is not the same as the threat we were 45 years ago. Therefore, we both modernized critical equipment and updated personnel training. This includes training programs that ensure the effective presence of pilots and engineers, as well as training that deals with modern threats. We integrate eight years of sacred defense experience with modern training to ensure that our staff can effectively confront today’s threats.
How would you describe the current state of Army Aviation equipment? How modern is your fleet?
Localized Army Aviation precision guided missiles and long-range missiles. Recognizing the need to produce helicopter consumables domestically in light of US unfair sanctions against Iran, it has made significant advances in manufacturing components using its own capabilities and innovative solutions.
During the sacred defence era, Army aviation helicopters could only operate during the day. Now, thanks to the integration of the night vision system and the localization of the components, it can operate in complete darkness.
Additionally, missile range has increased by more than seven times, and missile systems have been upgraded to improve accuracy and accuracy. In the coming days or weeks, we will show you important advances in component manufacturing and helicopter operational needs.
In addition to military operations, Army aviation assumes a variety of non-military missions during peacetime, particularly in response to natural disasters. Can you share some insights about these missions?
During peacetime, Army Aviation dedicates some of its resources to serve people when they need it. Given that our country is susceptible to disasters and experiences earthquakes, floods and wildfires, Army Aviation is actively involved in all such emergencies. In recent years, we have dealt with all major earthquakes in the country.
Most notably, the SAR-E Pol-E Zahab earthquake, which carried out over 450 sorties in a day, evacuating all affected individuals injured from the disaster zone via helicopters. During floods, including the recent Golestan floods, including the 2019 Lorestan and Kuzestan floods, Army Aviation was one of the first units to deploy consistently, proudly serving the public.
Today we also operate aerial emergency services covering most states across the country. Helicopters are located in important locations, particularly in remote and difficult-to-reach areas, to ensure emergency medical responses. In 2024 we reached a record 1,600 hours of emergency flight operations, which has unprecedented scope and impact.