The Commander of the Iranian Army's Air Defense Forces, Brigadier General Ali Reza Sabahi-Fard, stated that his country "possesses the absolute and preeminent power in the field of air defense," stressing that its power is "undisputed in the region."

During the ceremony to “commemorate the 108 air defense martyrs,” Sabahi-Fard explained that the Iranian Army’s Air Defense Force “today possesses the latest and best indigenous-made equipment in the fields of detection, interception, engagement, and information systems at the global level after it was completely dependent on equipment imported from abroad.”

The #Iranian military unveils new weapons in a clear message that proves that the Iranian military is on par with the pioneers in weapons manufacturing. pic.twitter.com/QiS9mbxfet

— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) August 23, 2023

The General also stressed that Iran “possesses the capabilities and technologies necessary for air defense, while the enemies are aware of this power,” emphasizing that “Iranian skies are the safest in the world thanks to the presence of Iranian air defense and its advanced equipment.”

Read more: Iran indicts 73 Americans in General Soleimani assassination case

Iran navy commander unveils plans for Antarctic permanent presence

Tasnim news reported earlier on Friday that Rear Admiral Shahram Irani, the Iranian Navy Commander, announced Iran's plans to establish a lasting presence in Antarctica.

"We have ownership in Antarctica and the plan is to hoist the Iranian flag there and establish a permanent base," Admiral Irani said.

Iranian officials have previously expressed the need for a permanent station in Antarctica, with plans dating back to 2012.

But these plans have yet to be realized. 

Read more: Iran possesses missiles designed to target 'Israel'

Iran a threat to 'Israel'

Earlier this month, Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) Deputy Commander for Operations, Brigadier General Abbas Nilforooshan, revealed the plans for new domestic hypersonic missiles that will impose "heavy costs" on the Israeli occupation.

Nilforooshan told the Iranian news agency Tasnim that Iran has limited the range of its missiles to 2,000 kilometers by the orders of Iranian leader Sayyed Ali Khamenei, based on the country's operational doctrines and in light of enemy threats.

He did, however, point out that Iran would improve the range of its missiles if necessary, adding that his country is currently in the process of boosting the quality and capabilities of its missiles with a range of 2,000 kilometers.

Read next: Iran's Fattah missile is strong message to 'Israel': Israeli media

Referring to the Fattah hypersonic missile, which was presented in June, Nilforooshan explained that the missile that can move at a speed of Mach 14 to 15 has been dedicated to beat the Israeli occupation's anti-missile systems that Iran has full knowledge about.

The Brigadier General made it clear that Fattah and Iran's other new hypersonic missiles in development would impose significant damage on "Israel", pointing out that the time has come for the Israeli occupation's anti-missile systems to retire, as per Tasnim.

"I’m telling you with confidence that the Zionist regime’s missile defense systems are obsolete in confrontation with this [Fattah] missile," Nilforooshan stressed.