WANA (Apr 13) – Brigadier General Kioumars Heydari, Commander of the Iranian Army’s Ground Forces, stated that any hostile action—regardless of scale—will be met with precision, long-range, and smart weaponry.

 

Transition to a Mobile and Offensive Force

General Heydari highlighted that the Ground Force has invested heavily in enhancing its mobility, evolving into a rapid-response, offensive-capable unit.

 

“We have moved beyond traditional military structures and built a force tailored to future operational needs,” he said, adding that the Army Ground Force now deploys advanced, specialized weaponry suited for modern warfare.

 

“These weapons are long-range, precision-guided, smart, and networked,” Heydari noted, emphasizing the force’s strategic shift toward future-oriented armaments. He also hinted at upcoming unveilings of new advanced systems.

 

Full Spectrum Defense Capabilities

The commander affirmed the force’s readiness to defend Iran’s land, air, and maritime borders with strength and resolve. “We are capable of severing the hands of any aggressor,” he said, noting that all weaponry has been domestically designed and produced by the Army and the Ministry of Defense.

 

“We are not an invading force, but we will not allow any malicious enemy to trespass,” he declared. “Our strength is rooted in our unwavering loyalty to the leadership and the principle of Velayat.”

 

Engineering Power and Border Security

Heydari revealed that the Army has established five engineering brigades—each capable of supporting a full ground force. These units are instrumental in both military operations and civilian disaster relief. At the borders, engineering teams are currently engaged in intelligent border fortification efforts.

 

The border security initiative includes a 900-kilometer smart barrier along the Afghanistan frontier. “This is not merely a wall—it integrates cutting-edge technologies to create an intelligent defense system,” he explained. The three-year project is now in its second year.

 

Missile and Drone Advancements

On missile capabilities, Heydari said the Ground Force now possesses long-range, precision-strike, and fire-and-forget missiles that represent “the long arm” of the Army. He also underscored the role of drones, which played a prominent role in three major exercises last year.

 

“Our drones are capable of reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and offensive operations. We are producing long-range and precision-strike UAVs domestically,” he said.

 

Integration of Artificial Intelligence

Heydari also discussed the integration of artificial intelligence in military systems, citing collaboration with 102 knowledge-based companies, top universities, and defense scientists. “AI is already being implemented in our smart weapons, particularly in our drones,” he noted.

 

Regional Joint Exercises and Helicopter Upgrades

The Army Ground Force has maintained a policy of regional cooperation through joint military drills. “We see our neighbors as religious brothers,” Heydari said, citing past exercises with Azerbaijan and Oman, and confirming upcoming drills with additional friendly nations.

 

In closing, Heydari announced significant upgrades to the Army’s helicopter fleet. “We’ve equipped our helicopters with long-range missiles and advanced night navigation systems,” he said. “Major investments are being made to double our helicopter production capacity, focusing on missile systems, night operation technologies, and spare parts.”