TEHRAN – Iran’s armed forces has launched an impressive display of military might during nationwide military parades, featuring an unprecedented array of ballistic missiles alongside the introduction of a new kamikaze drone capable of striking targets over 4,000 kilometers away.

In Tehran, the parades began at the mausoleum of the late founder of the Islamic Republic Imam Khomeini on Saturday morning to commemorate the anniversary of former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein's invasion of Iran, which led to an eight-year war from 1980 to 1988.

Similar processions are also held in other Iranian provinces to mark the occasion.

Forces from the Iranian Army, the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), Police, Border Guards, and Basij are participating in the parades.

During the parade, the IRGC showcased 23 ballistic missiles, including notable models such as the Kheibar Shekan, Fatah, Haj Qasem, Qadr H, Emad, Khorramshahr, Sejil, and the newly unveiled Jihad missile. 

The Jihad, a state-of-the-art liquid-fueled ballistic missile, boasts a range of 1,000 kilometers and is equipped with a high-explosive detachable warhead.

Also making its debut was the Shahed-136B, the latest iteration of the Shahed-136 kamikaze drone. This advanced unmanned aerial vehicle features a delta-wing design, a range of 2,000 kilometers, and a payload capacity of 50 kilograms. The drone operates on an Iranian-made piston engine and can reach speeds of around 200 km/h.

Adversaries do not dare to consider aggression against Iran: Pezeshkian

President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed attendees in Tehran, which included high-ranking military officials, highlighting the sacrifices made by the Iranian people during the war and emphasizing the nation's enhanced deterrence capabilities. 

He asserted that Iran's defense strength has become so formidable that adversaries no longer dare to contemplate aggression.

Pezeshkian expressed gratitude to the armed forces, stating, “Without our commanders and military personnel, Iran would not be safe.” 

“The whole world attempted to prevent Iran from continuing its revolution,” Pezeshkian said, “but the presence of the people and the popular forces and the heroic Army and the powerful IRGC prevented them from taking over a single part of Iran’s soil.”

He also noted the country’s advancements in self-sufficiency in military technology, thanks to the efforts of Iranian scientists and engineers.

Iranian officials have consistently affirmed their commitment to bolstering military capabilities, particularly missile technology, with assurances that these enhancements are purely defensive. 

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has repeatedly emphasized the importance of maintaining and expanding Iran's defense posture.