Alwaght- The Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF) has launched a two-day of military drills to test its capabilities in protecting the country’s airspace against possible enemy threats.
The eighth edition of the annual drills, dubbed Defenders of Velayat Skies, began at Shahid Babaei Air Base in the central city of Isfahan on Thursday.
The maneuvers will put to test dozens of bombers, hunter and interceptor jets as well as transport, refueling, reconnaissance and patrolling aircraft besides unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
The war games would feature Sukhoi Su-24, F-4 and F-7 Phantoms, MiG-29, F-14 jets, Being 707 and 7047 aerial refueling planes and C-130 Hercules transport aircraft, along with drones equipped with precision strike missiles and long-range smart bombs.
Domestically-manufactured rockets and bombs as well as laser-guided, anti-radar and thermal missileswould be put to test during the exercises.
The drills’ spokesman, Second Brigadier General Alireza Angizeh, said in addition to Shahid Babaei, other air bases across the country would contribute to the maneuvers.
In the course of the drills, Iranian air forces will practice air-to-air shooting and shooting against aerial targets as well as using smart, indigenous and upgraded bombs, he added.
Iran’s Armed Forces hold routine military exercises throughout the year.
Iranian officials have repeatedly underscored that the country will not hesitate to strengthen its military capabilities, including its missile power, which are entirely meant for defense, and that Iran’s defense capabilities will be never subject to negotiations.
