Iranian Commander Says Drills Merely Defensive

A top Iranian commander insisted the ongoing war games being conducted by the Iranian Army are merely geared to maintaining and boosting the military’s defense capabilities and combat readiness.
The reason why Iran is carrying out the maneuvers “is not that the country has felt a threat,” but is simply to improve the Army’s capabilities, Air Force Spokesman Brigadier General Amir Hossein Chitforoush told Press TV.

He said the Army is upgrading its defense potential, so that it will be able to maintain its readiness to counter any possible threat if need be.

“In these drills, Iran is putting to the test and drawing on the experience it gained during the eight-year [Iraqi imposed] war,” the top commander added.

He reiterated that the military exercises involve domestically-developed and renovated military hardware, including aircraft, missiles and vessels.

The Iranian Army launched massive six-day military exercises code-named Mohammad Rasoulallah (Mohammad, the Messenger of God) in the country’s south on Thursday to display the Islamic Republic’s military prowess.

The joint drills by Iranian Army’s ground, naval, and air forces are backed by Khatam al-Anbia Air Defense Base. The Islamic Republic has frequently announced that its military might poses no threat to other countries, stating that its defense doctrine is based on deterrence.
 http://www.almanar.com.lb/english/adetails.php?eid=187702&cid=19&fromval=1
27/12/14
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