A senior commander of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force has announced that Iran is set to test a new domestically developed anti-ballistic defense system in the near future.

Brigadier General Davoud Sheikhiyan highlighted Thursday the strategic significance of the upcoming test. "In the near future, we will witness the testing of the Islamic Republic's indigenous anti-ballistic defense system, which will undoubtedly create significant equations in the military domain and the perceptions of countries hostile to the Islamic Republic," he said.

Sheikhiyan elaborated on the organizational structure behind military drills in Iran, noting that they are primarily coordinated by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters. These exercises, he added, were conducted in accordance with official policies and potential threats.

During the Payambar-e-A’azam (The Great Prophet) 19 war games held in Iran's western and central regions, various scenarios were tested, including tactics to counter kamikaze drones. Sheikhiyan described these drones as a significant emerging aerial threat, citing their affordability and the challenges they pose due to their potential for mass deployment.

“Given their low cost, these drones can be used against us in various ways by any enemy. While many systems can engage such drones, missile systems typically rely on expensive ammunition, which presents an economic challenge for the armed forces,” Sheikhiyan stated. He emphasized the development of innovative and cost-effective defense solutions, including systems tailored for low-speed and mobile targets.

The IRGC Aerospace Force has also made advances in low-altitude and anti-cruise missile systems, including the Dey 9 air defense system. This system is capable of targeting a range of threats, including winged bombs, smart bombs, bunker busters, and cruise missiles, the commander said.

Iran to unveil massive drone, missile capabilities

The IRGC Aerospace Force is set to showcase new underground facilities designed for modern missiles and drones as part of the ongoing large-scale military exercise, according to IRGC spokesperson General Ali Mohammad Naeini.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, General Naeini revealed details about the drills and additional war games scheduled in the coming days. Among the highlights is the unveiling of "missile and drone cities," including an underground missile storage facility and a southern Iran-based complex designed for naval vessels.

The exercises will also feature the introduction of a new generation of the IRGC's advanced drones, which Naeini described as "unique".

The IRGC Navy will conduct a separate war game in the Gulf from January 18 to 23, involving around 300 combat vessels. Additionally, an exercise focused on smart traffic control in the Strait of Hormuz is planned for January 11.

A major naval parade involving approximately 2,000 military and civilian vessels will follow on January 27. During the parade, two new warships named after martyrs Bahman Baqeri and Rais Ali Delvari will be added to the IRGC Navy's fleet.

Iran prepared for complex challenges

General Naeini underscored Iran's readiness for complex challenges, saying, "Iran has been fully prepared since long ago for big and complicated battles on any scale" and vowing that the Islamic Republic continues to strengthen its capabilities against security threats.

Referring to past operations, including True Promise I and II against the Israeli occupation, Naeini emphasized that these represented only a fraction of Iran's military capabilities.

"The enemy knows the skies of the occupied territories are clear and defenseless for us. We can act against Israel with greater magnitude, speed, and accuracy, and the production of our weapons and missiles continues to advance daily," he said.

Naeini also highlighted the cohesion within Iran's governance on retaliatory actions, indicating plans for future operations against Israel, stating, "There are no obstacles to new operations against Israel in due time."