http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.php?nn=8505280544
17:29 | 2006-08-19
TEHRAN (Fars News Agency)- Commander of Iran's ground force said military capabilities of his troops are at such a high level that the no air forces in the region has the needed capability to confront the Iranian army.
Speaking to FNA correspondent in the operational zone of the extensive war games codenamed 'Zarbat-e Zolfaqar' (Blow of Zolfaqar), Brigadier General Mohammad Hassan Dadras said, "In the event of the occurrence of any kind of incidence in the region, the army embarks on identifying its soft and strong points in a bid to elevate its defense capabilities proportionate with the residing threats and to prevent any aggressive military operation against the country.
Dadras said that the Iranian ground force has succeeded in manufacturing various hi-tech weapons in the short run, adding, "We have managed to uplift our military capabilities to such a high level that no air force is capable of confronting the army of the Islamic Republic of Iran on the geographical extent adjacent to our borders."
He said military capabilities of the army's missile units are so high that they can defend each and every part of the country.
The first stage of the extensive war games code-named `Blow of Zolfaqar' along border areas of the southeastern province of Sistan and Balouchestan started Saturday morning.
Zolfaqar, the sword of Imam Ali (AS), the first Imam of the Household of the Holy Prophet (may the blessings of Allah be upon him and his progeny), is a symbol of power and courage for Shiite Muslims.
Various units of air-support Army Chinook helicopters, unmanned planes, parachutists, electronic war units and Special Forces are participating in the maneuver.
"Army commandos, parachutists, mobile shoulder-firing units, electronic war forces and rapid deployment units enjoying high combat capability will demonstrate their preparedness during the war games.
"The war games are aimed at improving and updating the Army's tactics," the army commander said, adding, "Given the different threats which might exist against Iran, we have initiated to design various methods to confront such threats in the best and easiest manner."
The General also reiterated that the missile units will become more operational as of Sunday, saying that the ground force will start launching different types of remote-controlled missiles as of the next stage of the maneuver.
bttt
WTF? They still have flyable Chinooks??..........FRegards