TEHRAN – The commander of Iran's Air Defense Force has stressed that the country's specialized air defense operations are designed for swift, time-sensitive responses.

During a ceremony commemorating a martyred war commander, General Sayad Shirazi, Brigadier General Alireza Sabahi Fard highlighted the need for strategic adjustments to achieve surprise and effectively counter the enemy. 

Sabahi Fard noted, “A key factor in the evolution of the Air Defense Force's tactics and strategies during the eight years of Sacred Defense (the Iran-Iraq war) was the transition from air-centric operations to ground-focused engagements.” 

Sabahi Fard also noted that after the “Fath al-Mubin Operation” during the imposed war of the 1980s, the Iranian Air Defense Force achieved significant victories against enemy forces, despite enduring harsh and unjust equipment sanctions, by employing effective tactical and strategic methods.

He identified the “Valfajr 8 Operation” as a pivotal moment in the history of the Army's Air Defense Force, stressing that it represented a significant advancement in the collaboration and unified command among the nation's armed forces. 

“This operation led to a significant evolution in the strategies and approaches employed for intelligence collection, enemy location detection, aerial surveillance, and radar system application, highlighting the essential function of the Army's Air Defense Force,” as emphasized by the commander.

Sabahi Fard remarked, “During Operation Valfajr 8, which the Supreme Commander of the Iranian Armed Forces, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, described as a miraculous defense, we successfully downed over 80 aircraft using limited resources, thanks to the ingenuity of our air defense systems.” 

He also emphasized that air defense was a constant presence throughout the eight years of Sacred Defense.

Sabahi Fard pointed out that this period transformed Iran’s air defense doctrine, stating, “Air defense units developed new tactics and strategies. Some units were deployed at the front lines, while others focused on safeguarding the nation's critical resources.” 

He acknowledged that without the spirit of martyrdom, selflessness, and the resilience of the families of the fighters, Iran would not have achieved its current standing. 

The commander of the Iranian Air Defense Force highlighted that the expertise and dedication of the personnel are key to the success of this force in executing its responsibilities. 

Sabahi Fard noted that the air defense missions aimed at protecting Iran's airspace have always been characterized by their urgency and the need for rapid response.