Tehran, Iran – Over the past three months, Iran’s army and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) have conducted large-scale military exercises to showcase and test new defensive and offensive weapons. These drills come as the country prepares for another turbulent year amid threats from the United States and Israel to target its nuclear facilities, critical energy infrastructure, and military sites.
Iran has also vowed to carry out a third round of major military strikes against Israel in retaliation for Israeli attacks during the ongoing war in Gaza. The exercises—named Eqtedar, Zolfaqar, and Great Prophet—were conducted across Iran, the Sea of Oman, and the northern Indian Ocean.
The weapons tested during these drills underscore Iran’s determination to defy Israel and the West, reject negotiations with US President Donald Trump under his “maximum pressure” policy, and advance its nuclear program.
Secret Missile Cities
The IRGC recently unveiled three major underground military bases, with commanders stating they are prepared for a prolonged war. State television showcased what it described as a “missile megacity,” featuring dozens of ballistic missiles, including mobile launchers for rapid deployment. Among the weapons displayed were:
- Khorramshahr-4: A liquid-fuel rocket with a range of 2,000 km (1,242 miles) and an upgraded warhead weighing up to two tonnes (4,400 pounds).
- Jahad: A liquid-fuel rocket capable of traveling 1,000 km (621 miles) with a 650 kg (1,400-pound) warhead.
- L360: A solid-fuel rocket with a range of 180 km (111 miles) carrying 150 kg (330 pounds) of explosives.
- Qadr: A two-stage rocket with a range of 2,000 km and a warhead weighing up to 750 kg (1,650 pounds).
- Emad: A liquid-fuel missile with a range of 1,800 km (1,118 miles) and warheads up to 750 kg.
The IRGC Navy also revealed a secret underground naval base along Iran’s southern coast, housing hundreds of missile-carrying speedboats, anti-ship mines, and a new cruise missile called the Qadr-380, which can travel over 1,000 km. The IRGC also announced plans to unveil a new anti-ship supersonic cruise missile with a range of 2,000 km.
Warplanes
Iran’s military exercises included the use of domestically produced fighter jets like the Saeqeh and Azarakhsh, as well as older US and Russian models from before the 1979 revolution. The newer Russian-made Yak-130 and MiG-29 jets were also deployed to intercept an enemy drone during the drills. The Yak-130, delivered by Russia in September 2023, is being used to train pilots for the advanced Su-35 fighter jets Iran has ordered but has yet to receive.
Air Defenses
Protecting critical infrastructure is a top priority for Iran, especially after Israeli strikes on multiple Iranian provinces in late October. Israeli military sources claimed that Iran lost all four of its Russian-made S-300 missile defense batteries during those attacks, leaving the country largely defenseless. However, Tehran denied these claims, stating that the impact was limited and damaged equipment had been replaced.
During live drills in January, Iran demonstrated its S-300 systems alongside an upgraded version of the domestically developed Bavar-373, its top high-altitude missile defense system. The Bavar-373 reportedly has a range of over 300 km (186 miles) and is equipped with Sayyad 4B surface-to-air missiles. Other missile defense systems tested included the 15-Khordad, Majid, Arman, Zoubin, and Tondar.
In January, Iran unveiled the 358, a loitering surface-to-air missile with a reported range of 400 km (248 miles). This new missile is designed to work with domestic defense systems to enhance Iran’s ability to counter drones and low-altitude aerial threats.
Iranian forces also conducted drills to defend its Natanz, Fordow, and Khondab nuclear sites, as well as airports, refineries, and seaports. They simulated scenarios involving warplane incursions and air strikes using heavy “bunker-buster” bombs.
The Army Air Force conducted helicopter exercises, with a senior commander reporting that Iran is building 1,000 more helicopters, many of which are refurbished older models due to international sanctions limiting access to parts.
Sea and Ground Defense
The exercises included attack and defense scenarios across various terrains. Heavy armored vehicles, such as the domestically produced Karrar main battle tank and the Russian-made BMP2 carrier, were tested in desert and coastal environments.
Amphibious operations were also a focus, with soldiers and special forces conducting drills to test coastal defense capabilities against day and night attacks. The warships Jamaran and Zagros were deployed, along with numerous speedboats.
The IRGC introduced the Heydar 110, a catamaran speedboat capable of carrying two cruise missiles and reaching speeds of 110 knots (over 200 km/h). Additionally, the Hadid-110 suicide drone was showcased, capable of being launched from an underwater drone and striking a pre-designated target.
Iran deployed several classes of submarines, including the Tareq, Fateh, and Ghadir, and test-fired domestically produced Valfajr torpedoes. Anti-submarine missiles were also launched from US-made Sea Hawk helicopters in the Sea of Oman, and officials announced plans to unveil a missile-carrying hovercraft corvette.
Drones, Old and New
In early February, the IRGC deployed the IRIS Shahid Bagheri, Iran’s first drone carrier. The converted merchant ship features an 180-meter (590-foot) runway, eight hangars, a hospital, a football pitch, and fuel stations for drones, helicopters, and vessels. It can launch variants of the Ababil, Mohajer, and Homa reconnaissance and attack drones.
A scaled-down version of the jet-powered Qaher-313 drone was also seen on the deck, alongside Bell-206 and Mil-17 helicopters. The drone carrier’s defenses appeared limited, with a small number of missiles and guns on board, and its role in a potential strike group remains unclear.
Separately, the Iranian army announced it had received 1,000 new drones, including variants of the Shahed one-way unmanned aerial vehicles, which the West alleges Iran supplied to Russia for use in Ukraine. Drone swarm operations, involving the simultaneous launch of multiple drones to overwhelm defenses, were also practiced.
These operations included first-person view (FPV) drones, which have been extensively used by both Russia and Ukraine in their ongoing conflict.
Translation: Hadid-110, Iran’s latest suicide drone, is for the first time shown being fired from an unmanned underwater vehicle.
Stunning images of jet-powered drones taking off and landing from the deck of Iran’s new homegrown drone carrier Shahid Bagheri.
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