Missile event in Iran, Islamic Republic of on Sat 22nd February 2025

Iran Army launches large-scale Zolfaqar-1403 drills along southern shores
The Islamic Republic of Iran Army has launched a large-scale military exercise in an area along the strategic Makran coastline in the southern part of the country, the Sea of Oman, and the northern tip of the Indian Ocean, extending up to the 10-degree latitude.

The drill, codenamed Zolfaqar-1403, kicked off on Saturday, and various infantry, armored and mechanized units, air defense systems, unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), unmanned surface vessels (USVs) as well as air force strategic bombers for logistical support are participating in it.

Organized under the theme “Stable Security under the Shadow of Self-Reliance, Unity, and Power,” the exercise is set to test an array of military capabilities.

Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari, deputy chief of the Army for Coordination, and the commander of the joint drill, stated that the primary goal of the exercise is to enhance the defensive and deterrence capabilities of the Iranian Armed Forces in the face of potential aerial, ground and naval threats.

He warned enemies against attempts to harm Iran’s territorial integrity and interests, emphasizing that any act of aggression against the Islamic Republic will be met with a crushing response.
Iranian Army launches main phase of ‘Eqtedar 1403’ air defense drill in SW Iran

The senior military commander noted that the massive exercise also serves as a testing ground for the new tactics that are drawn up and employed by young personnel of the Iranian Army.

New generations of domestically-developed arms, indigenous smart munitions, and homegrown weapons equipped with pinpoint accuracy systems, in addition to a wide array of missiles, will be tested, Sayyari explained.

Iranian military forces hold routine exercises according to a detailed schedule in various parts of the country in order to test their weaponry and equipment and evaluate their combat preparedness.

The country’s officials have repeatedly underscored that the country will not hesitate to strengthen its military capabilities and that Iran’s defense capabilities will never be subject to negotiations.