ALWAGHT- A senior Iranian air defense official said Friday that Iranian forces downed 196 hostile aircraft and drones during a 12-day conflict with Israel, calling it a direct clash with Western military technology.
Brigadier General Reza Khajeh said Iran’s integrated Army–IRGC air defense network operated continuously during the 12-day conflict, despite casualties and damage. He claimed Iran was effectively fighting not just Israel but NATO and the West, with 33 countries allegedly assisting Israel.
Khajeh said Iranian forces faced cruise and ballistic missiles, stealth aircraft, drones, and precision weapons, but denied claims Iran was caught off guard. He stated defenses were on full alert before the first wave and confirmed 35 air defense personnel were killed, while retired officers returned to duty and others held positions under fire.
He acknowledged technical limitations due to sanctions but said Iranian-made systems performed well, citing the downing of over 196 aircraft and drones, including advanced Israeli UAVs. Khajeh vowed any future threat would be met with a stronger response, stressing ongoing upgrades and self-reliance in defense technology.
