The Iranian military has demonstrated the capabilities of its domestically-built drones and weapon systems during a large-scale joint drill dubbed the Zolfaqar-1400 in the Sea of Oman.
According to army spokesperson Mahmoud Mousavi, the drill allowed the service to show off its high-powered surface-to-surface weapon systems, including the Ghader, Nasr, and Ghadir anti-ship cruise missiles.
A medium-range Ghader was launched from a tactical missile site off the Makran coast, striking a vessel 200 kilometers (124 miles) away. Ghadir also hit a surface target at a distance of 300 kilometers (186 miles).
Mousavi revealed that the army’s Arash suicide drone participated in the drill and took out predetermined targets. An anti-radar drone was also reportedly tested.
“All the systems used in the exercise are domestically manufactured and state-of-the-art technology at the global level, whether in the fields of reconnaissance, radar systems, electronic warfare, and others,” Iranian air defense force commander Alireza Sabahi Fard said.
‘Preserving Territorial Integrity’
As the Zolfaqar-1400 exercises commenced earlier this week, Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters commander Major-General Gholam-Ali Rashid said the trials help preserve Iran’s territorial integrity.
He continued by expressing that such demonstrations also help solidify the country’s position and military power, particularly against a coalition of enemies that includes the United States and Israel.
“Our armed forces, including the army and the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, will crush any threat posed by any arrogant and aggressive power, at any level, and originating from any territory,” Rashid remarked, as quoted by Newsweek.
In addition to combat drones and missile systems, Iran tested Tareq and Ghadir-class submarine torpedoes, indigenous rockets, and precision artillery.