ALWAGHT- Iran’s Khatam al-Anbia deputy commander says the IRGC Navy used advanced, homegrown long-range and precision-guided weapons in its southern naval drill.
Brigadier General Kiomars Heidari said the IRGC Navy’s major exercise demonstrated Iran’s growing military self-sufficiency, stressing that all long-range, precision-guided, and intelligent weapons used were developed domestically by the Defense Ministry in coordination with the IRGC. He described the drill as a display of Iran’s ability to design, produce, and deploy advanced systems without relying on foreign suppliers.
He added that the exercise focused on real-world combat scenarios, including coordinated naval operations, rapid response to maritime threats, and protection of strategic waterways. According to Heidari, operational planning emphasized speed, accuracy, and compatibility between units, aiming to simulate conditions similar to potential regional conflicts in the Persian Gulf and Sea of Oman.
The commander also highlighted that morale among IRGC naval personnel was “exceptionally high,” attributing this to extensive training and confidence in domestically built equipment. He said the drill tested not just firepower but also command-and-control systems, intelligence coordination, and battlefield decision-making under pressure.
He further noted that several new tactics and technologies were introduced during the exercise but remain classified due to their sensitive nature. “This is deliberate,” he said, “so adversaries cannot anticipate our operational methods or exploit vulnerabilities,” adding that Iran’s defense doctrine prioritizes unpredictability and deterrence.
Overall, Heidari framed the drill as both a warning and a reassurance — a warning to adversaries that Iran’s naval capabilities are expanding in sophistication and range, and a reassurance to the Iranian public that national defense is built on self-reliance, readiness, and strategic planning.
