Iranian Army Air Force stages massive drills
Yusef Jalali
Press TV, Isfahan
This is not a real war, but it is a chance for young Iranian pilots to test their prowess in real time war scenarios.
These awe-inspiring moves are part of an annual military exercise dubbed the Defenders of Velayat Skies.
Staged by the Iranian Army's Air Force, the massive maneuver engages all of the Iranian Army’s air bases across the country.
The two-day drills saw the use of interceptor aircraft, fighter bombers, medium and heavy transport airplanes, patrol aircraft as well as reconnaissance and bomber drones.
The fighters included long-range Sukhoi Su-24, F-14 fighters, and Boeing 747 and 707 tanker aircraft.
Iranian army officials say the main goal of the maneuvers is to enhance the country's preparedness in the face of potential threats in the region.
The military practice included air-to-air shooting, air-to-surface bombardment using smart heavy and semi-heavy bombs, radar and thermal missiles as well as home-made rockets and bombs.
The drills also used Iran’s latest achievements in electronic warfare including long-range search radars capable of detecting missile launches, stealth aircraft and drones.
These annual air drills are a chance to both test Iranian homegrown weapons and enhance the country's deterrence against potential threats. Army officials here say the success of this maneuver sends a message of security to Iran's neighbors.
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