Tehran: The Islamic Republic of Iran Army initiated the main phase of the joint exercise Zolfaghar 1403 on Saturday, spanning the Makran coastlines, the Sea of Oman, and the northern Indian Ocean. This significant military exercise involves a comprehensive deployment of army infantry, armored and mechanized units, defense systems, naval forces, and both surface and underwater vessels, which have been positioned in the area for several days. With the commencement of the main phase, these units have begun executing a series of exercises simultaneously.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari, the deputy chief of the Army for Coordination and the commander of the exercises, stated that the drills aim to bolster Iran's defensive capabilities and deterrent power against potential threats on land, in the air, and at sea. The admiral issued a warning that any adversary considering harm to Iran's territorial integrity or interests will face significant repercussions. These exercises are also intended to test new tactics developed and implemented by the younger generation within the Iranian Army.

Further elaborating on the exercises, the rear admiral highlighted the incorporation of state-of-the-art weapons, including smart, precise, and guided munitions, as well as various types of missiles in their annual drills. The drills are designed to assess the readiness of technologies such as cyber and electronic warfare, which have the potential to redefine future battlefields.

Brigadier General Alireza Sheikh, the spokesperson for the drills, detailed that the Army's Cobra helicopters conducted takeoff and landing operations alongside RH, SH, and AB-212 helicopters on Navy vessels. He emphasized that the joint operation showcased the Army's aviation capabilities along the Makran coastal areas, and the primary focus is to enhance the skills and capabilities of the pilots of the Iran Army Aerospace Force.