Iranian Army launches large-scale Zolfaqar 1403 joint drills

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
22 Feb 2025 12:30

During the Great Prophet 19 exercise in Southwestern Iran, Ra'ad-typed drones, belonging to the IRGC Ground Force, carried out precision strikes.

A photo shows the moment a drone is being launched (Mehr News Agency)

The large-scale Zolfaqar 1403 joint drills, led by the Iranian Army, began on Saturday morning, and are taking place across the southern and southeastern regions of Iran, extending into the Sea of Oman, the Mehr News Agency reported.

With the theme "Stable Security Under the Shadow of Self-Reliance, Unity, and Power," the drills aim to assess a broad range of military capabilities.

Mehr suggested that this display of strength conveys a clear message that "Iran can secure its region without foreign intervention."

It said that in an era of evolving warfare, where cyber operations, electronic warfare, and unmanned systems play pivotal roles, Iran is combining advanced technologies with traditional military power.

This comprehensive exercise, part of an annual series, enhances tactical coordination while affirming Iran's strategic autonomy in a volatile region, the news agency said.

Iran exporting military equipment to 30 countries

In a related context, Mehr said that during the Great Prophet 19 exercise in Southwestern Iran, Ra'ad-typed drones, belonging to the IRGC Ground Force, carried out precision strikes.

In the exercise's second phase, the IRGC unveiled new drones, including the Ra'ad 1, Ra'ad 2, and Ra'ad 3, destructive drones designed for precision strikes on designated targets.

A vehicle equipped with six Ra'ad-typed drones was also revealed during the exercise.

Meanwhile, Iranian Defense Minister, Major General Aziz Nasirzadeh, announced that Iran is now exporting military equipment to 30 countries globally.

In remarks made on Thursday, Nasirzadeh highlighted that, since the Islamic Revolution's victory, Iran’s adversaries have conspired against the nation, even waging war against it.

However, according to the minister, this war led to Iran's growth and self-sufficiency, allowing it to become an exporter of military equipment, whereas previously, even basic materials like barbed wire were unavailable to the country.

The General also pointed to the hostility from the United States and other global powers toward Iran, emphasizing that the Islamic Revolution has always opposed oppression and tyranny.

He explained that under the leadership of Imam Khomeini, Iran consistently stood against imperial powers, particularly the US, and continues to challenge the forces of oppression.

Elsewhere, Nasirzadeh stressed that Iran’s revolutionary ideals are now having a profound impact internationally, and this has caused concern among its enemies.