WANA (Feb 28) – The Iranian Air Force and IRGC Aerospace Force conducted a joint military defense drill today February 28th over an area stated to be “two-thirds” of Iran’s airspace.

 

The military drill called “Defenders of the Velayat Sky” saw the use of various surface-to-air missiles and air defense systems including the “15 Khordad” system.

 

During the drill, the missiles systems successfully struck their targets and new underground infrastructure was unveiled, providing shelter for these systems while they are not actively deployed.

Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of Staff of Iran’s Armed Forces, said about the drill: “This drill is taking place in completely real situations in areas that can be targeted by enemies in possible scenarios.”

 

In this exercise, which was held in the presence of high-ranking Commanders, Alireza Sabahifard, Chief of Army Air Defense, gave a warning to the enemies. “Our enemies and those who wanted to threaten the Islamic Republic must know not to make any mistake in their calculations.”

The Iranian Air Force and IRGC Aerospace Force conducted a joint military defense drill. Feb 28, 2023 - Iran army PR / WANA News Agency

The Iranian Air Force and IRGC Aerospace Force conducted a joint military defense drill. Feb 28, 2023 – Iran army PR / WANA News Agency

This drill comes just as the United States started its own naval drill with 50 countries in the waters surrounding Iran. It also comes a few weeks after Israel conducted its own defensive drill with CENTCOM.

 

News came recently that Iran was planning to sell its air defense systems to Syria, including the 15 Khordad system, which caused great concern for the United States and Israel.