TEHRAN - The spokesman of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has elaborated on significant strides made in bolstering Iran's defensive capabilities across the ground, naval, and aerospace forces, as well as other operational sectors in the Persian calendar year of 1402, which ends on March 19.

Detailing the IRGC's endeavors and achievements during the calendar year, Ramezan Sharif said, "Significant strides have been made in enhancing the country's defense infrastructure across the ground, naval, and aerospace forces of the IRGC, particularly in domains such as troops training, intelligence, integration of new equipment, and augmenting deterrent capabilities. We've witnessed substantial advancements, both in terms of quantity and quality, compared to previous years."

According to Tasnim news agency, Sharif added, "In the realm of maritime defense, the IRGC Navy has integrated specialized and strategic capabilities and equipment six times this year, including new warships, missiles, drones, and other advanced assets. This has led to notable upgrades and qualitative enhancements, with the introduction of larger warships possessing enhanced sea-faring capabilities, enabling the safeguarding of national interests even across extended distances."

Emphasizing the continuity of progress within the IRGC and the assimilation of new equipment, Sharif stated, "This trajectory of progress is mirrored within the IRGC Aerospace Force, where we've witnessed the introduction of new missiles, including the ‘Fattah-1’ hypersonic missile, unveiled in the presence of the Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi. Additionally, successful satellite launches, such as 'Noor-3' and ‘Sorayya’ satellites with the three-stage solid-fuel ‘Qaem 100’ satellite carrier, mark significant achievements for the IRGC Aerospace Force in 1402."

Highlighting the pivotal role of the IRGC ground forces in fostering sustainable security in the country's northwest and southeast regions, Sharif remarked, "In these areas, the IRGC ground forces have apprehended or neutralized numerous terrorist groups intent on infiltrating, disrupting, and sowing insecurity along border regions and within the country."

Sharif also underscored the collaborative efforts between the IRGC ground forces and the IRGC intelligence organization, leveraging their extensive intelligence capabilities to safeguard national security and counter threats aimed at destabilizing the country.

Sharif concluded by highlighting the IRGC's endeavors in cultural and social spheres, stating that commendable measures had been undertaken by the Basij volunteer forces within the IRGC in alignment with the promotion of national values. 

He also emphasized significant progress in educational, political, and religious promotion efforts, following the directives of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, aimed at nurturing Islamic spirituality and ethics within the IRGC and the Basij. Furthermore, he noted that several high-quality research publications had been authored and disseminated by research institutes and universities under the patronage of the IRGC.

Despite Western sanctions on Iran in recent years, the country has taken giant strides in advancing its defense infrastructure. Authorities in Iran have reiterated the country's unwavering dedication to strengthening military capacities, particularly in missile capabilities, solely for defensive and deterrent purposes.