TEHRAN - The Islamic Republic of Iran Army Ground Force on Friday launched massive two-day military drills in the central province of Isfahan.

The exercise dubbed Eghtedar (Authority) 1402 is taking place in the Nasrabad region. It was kicked off with the presence of Chief Commander of Army Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi
“In this exercise, infantry regiments, armored divisions, missile and artillery units, the Ground Force airborne division, drone units, electronic warfare units, and the support teams from the Air Force are present,” said Brigadier General Karim Cheshak, spokesman for the military exercise.

“The Eghtedar 1402 military exercise of the Iranian Army's Ground Force emphasizes four characteristics: long-range, precision, intelligence, automation capability, and network-centricity. These four characteristics will be evaluated in various stages of this exercise,” the spokesman added. 

The drills include four stages. “In the first phase of this exercise, we will simultaneously transfer four combat brigades, one combat engineering group, one artillery group, and other forces from various regions of the country to the Northeast Regional Command area. In the next phase, we will carry out operations to collect information and intelligence using drone, electronic, and electronic surveillance systems,” explained General Cheshak, adding that the third and fourth stages will be focused on coastal defense operations. 

Various home-grown Iranian weapons, including Arash and Sina drones, have so far been successfully put into operation during the drills. The flight readiness of more than 200 helicopters will also be tested. 

Iran’s Armed Forces hold routine military exercises annually. The last drills were staged by the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps in the Persian Gulf. 

Iranian officials have repeatedly stressed that the country will not hesitate to strengthen its military capabilities which are entirely meant for defense, and that Iran’s defense capabilities will be never subject to negotiations.

MHA/PA