WANA (Feb 22) – In the operational phase of the joint Zolfaqar 2025 military drill, which began earlier today, the Iranian military successfully launched a “Valfajr” torpedo from the Fateh submarine, destroying its designated target.

 

The exercise also saw the launch of Iranian oxygen and electric-powered torpedoes from the Tareq, Fateh, and Ghadir submarines, all of which successfully hit their targets in the Gulf of Oman.

 

The oxygen-powered torpedo, developed by Iran’s skilled young defense experts, utilizes compressed pure oxygen as fuel instead of compressed air. Additionally, an electric training torpedo was fired from the Tareq submarine against a sub-surface target, with its design having been updated and optimized compared to previous generations.

 

In another phase of the drill, an SH helicopter launched a Mark 46 torpedo, hitting its target in the sea. These torpedoes were designed and produced by young naval experts in collaboration with scientific and defense industries in Iran. A key feature of these torpedoes is their enhanced safety compared to other types.

 

Rear Admiral Alireza Sheikh, the spokesperson for the exercise, highlighted the use of indigenous equipment and weaponry as one of the key strengths of the drill. He emphasized that, due to the relentless efforts of Iranian scientists and experts in the Army, Ministry of Defense, knowledge-based companies, and other research institutions, the country is now fully reliant on domestic capabilities to meet its defense needs.

 

He further stated that the demonstration of Iran’s defensive power in the Zolfaqar 2025 drill using locally made equipment clearly illustrates the nation’s self-sufficiency, even amidst sanctions since the Islamic Revolution.

 

Additionally, a MiG-29 fighter jet successfully intercepted a Karrar drone as part of the exercise. The drill also involved strategic F-4 bombers from the Air Force, which, after receiving air-to-air refueling, destroyed their designated targets with 250-pound bombs and Maverick missiles.

 

This large-scale joint military exercise continues to showcase Iran’s growing defense capabilities and self-reliance.