TEHRAN Iran's armed force has begun comprehensive air defense drills, code-named Eqtedar (Might), in its western and northern areas, focusing on safeguarding essential websites like the Fordow and Khondab nuclear facilities.The workouts include a broad range of military hardware, consisting of advanced radar, rocket, and electronic warfare systems, together with manned and unmanned aircraft, with a focus on both offensive and defensive tactics.The Iranian Army Air Defense Force and the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) are participating in the exercises, practicing reconnaissance, identification, interception, and engagement operations versus simulated threats.Khordad 15 and Talash rocket systems were used to destroy simulated invading unmanned aircraft in the preliminary phase.
IRGC representative Ali Mohammad Naini mentioned that these drills, part of a larger series across six provinces continuing untilmid-March, are a direct reaction to new security hazards and are considerably bigger and more advanced compared to last year.In addition to the air defense exercises, a significant maritime drill is scheduled for the Strait of Hormuz, and passive defense and tactical movements are being evaluated.The workouts come in the middle of heightened tensions after reports of potential United States strikes versus Iranian nuclear sites and are viewed as a program of strength and preparedness.During previous rounds of the drill, the military downed weapons comparable to bunker busters over the Natanz nuclear facility situated in the main Esfahan province.