Iran stages major military drill to protect Natanz nuclear site

Air defence units in Iran have participated in a major military exercise aimed at safeguarding the Natanz nuclear facility, located in the central province of Isfahan.

The joint manoeuvres, which commenced on January 7, involved forces from both the Army and the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), Caliber.Az reports via Iranian media.

During the initial phase of the drill, air defence units implemented strategic plans to ensure the protection of the Natanz site.

As part of the exercise, the IRGC Aerospace Force deployed advanced point-defence tactics to counter a variety of simulated aerial threats, operating under conditions that included potential electronic warfare scenarios.

To recap, on January 6, Brigadier General Qader Rahimzadeh, commander of Iran's Khatam al-Anbia Air Defence Base, announced the deployment of advanced, classified air defence systems near critical sites across the country. The systems, undisclosed to foreign adversaries, will feature in an imminent joint military exercise involving the Army and the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC).

The large-scale drill, set to commence in the coming days, will test the air defence units’ readiness and adaptability to evolving enemy tactics, as well as Iran's updated defence strategies.

Established as a cornerstone of national security, the Khatam al-Anbia Air Defence Base was highlighted by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei in 2018 as critical to repelling external threats. He also urged expedited improvements in the base’s operational capabilities and personnel training

By Aghakazim Guliyev