Posted on 11/01/2006 4:22:44 AM PST by familyop
Tehran - Iran is to hold renewed military exercises throughout the country, including in the Persian Gulf and Sea of Oman where naval manoeuvres led by the United States currently take place, the Fars news agency reported Wednesday.
The commander of the paramilitary Revolutionary Guards (IRGC), General Yahya Rahim Safavi, said that the exercises would begin Thursday November 2. Code-named 'Grand Prophet (Mohammed) 2,' the operations are to run for nine consecutive days in 10 provinces, mainly focused on the Persian Gulf and Sea of Oman, the general told reporters.
Iran held its last military exercises in August and proclaimed to have successfully tested its first home-made fighter plane Saeqeh (Lightning), similar to the US F-18 fighter but redesigned and remodelled by Iranian experts.
'The most important aim of the manoeuvres is to show Iran's firm willingness for defending the country against any kind of threats,' Safavi said.
The IRGC commander added that the manoeuvres will start with the launch of missiles, including the medium-range Shahab-3 missile, which reportedly has a range of between 1,300 to 2,000 kilometres.
The Shahab-3 had caused grave concern in Israel as the missile could reach all parts of the Jewish state. Tehran has assured the international community that the missiles are for defensive purposes only.
'These manoeuvres are neither a threat to the region nor our neighbours who are considered as our friends - however our enemies are also their enemies,' Safavi said.
Iran pays special attention to the US-led Persian Gulf naval manoeuvres at a time when the dispute over Iran's nuclear programme has once again reached the United Nations Security Council, and Tehran faces sanctions for not having suspended its uranium enrichment activities.
Iranian officials have several times said the did not believe the international community would resort to military intervention in the dispute, but warn that any strike against Iran would have devastating consequences for the aggressor.
Safavi termed the US naval exercises in the Persian Gulf as a 'political propaganda .... with no military value.'
I'm sure my son is having fun now! GO NAVY!
"Make my day".
Ships & aircraft in such close proximity. Hmmm. We could be looking at another Gulf of Sidra Incident at the very least.
Pass the popcorn.
'successfully tested its first home-made fighter plane Saeqeh (Lightning), similar to the US F-18 fighter but redesigned and remodelled by Iranian experts. '
Love to see it in action against them there similar F18s.
I have seen a report on the Internet that the Kitty Hawk carrier strike group left port in Japan on October 17th for a "fall cruise." It was reported in the Philippine Sea on Oct 25th and in the South China Sea on Oct 31st. If it continues in that direction it could move into the Indian Ocean and maybe even on the Persian Gulf. Any thoughts?
Mahmoud...SHALL WE PLAY A GAME?
Wow. Yep.
I believe it is a remodeled F5.
Could be, would be a wonderful slaughter.
'Iwo Jima
Boxer'
No AC strike capability here, ARGs. With the ESG concept there is a sub and SAG component.
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