TEHRAN – The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy has significantly expanded its military capabilities with the acquisition of new domestically-produced equipment, including advanced cruise missiles designed to evade current missile defense systems.

The delivery, which took place during a ceremony on Friday, was overseen by Major General Hossein Salami, the IRGC's chief commander.

In total, the IRGC Navy received 2,640 missile systems, drones, and other sophisticated equipment. A key highlight of the new additions is the inclusion of radar-evading cruise missiles equipped with highly explosive warheads. 

These missiles are specifically designed to inflict devastating damage and have the capability to sink destroyers. The delivery also featured a variety of long-range and medium-range missiles, combat and reconnaissance drones, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with electronic warfare (EW) capabilities, and state-of-the-art electronic warfare systems.

During the ceremony, only 210 out of the total 2,654 newly received systems were publicly displayed. The remaining equipment, including some of the navy's most advanced anti-surface and sub-surface weapons, was withheld from public view for security reasons, as reported by the Iranian Tasnim News Agency.

Major General Salami emphasized the importance of military strength and independence, stating, "In today's world, nations must choose between becoming strong and independent or giving in to external pressures; there is no middle ground." He stressed that nations must either strive for power and freedom, breaking away from the control of global powers, or accept compromise and submission.

Salami highlighted the strategic significance of naval forces, describing the sea as a crucial battlefield where global military powers converge. "Naval combat and defense represent a comprehensive level of warfare. The sea itself is a complete battlefield, and naval powers are typically self-sufficient in all aspects of combat," he explained. He further noted that naval battles are often decisive, where speed and precision are key to outmaneuvering and defeating opponents.

He also underscored the growing role of technology in modern naval operations, stating, "In naval operations, utilizing artificial intelligence across all levels—from vessels to missiles, defenses, submarines, and mines—is a crucial aim."

In recent years, Iranian military experts and engineers have achieved significant advancements in the development of indigenous military equipment, leading to greater self-sufficiency for the armed forces. Iranian officials have consistently emphasized that the country's military capabilities, particularly its missile power, are intended solely for defensive purposes and are non-negotiable.

Leader of Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has repeatedly called for continued efforts to maintain and enhance Iran’s defense capabilities, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to its military independence.