Iran to hold large air force exercise, says report

Iran’s air force plans to hold a large-scale exercise to strengthen deterrence against any threats...

Iran’s air force plans to hold a large-scale exercise to strengthen deterrence against any threats, a media report said, a week after the country test-fired missiles in war games criticised by the West. Air force commander Ahmad Mighani said on Tuesday the combat and defensive drills will be held in the near future, Iran’s state Press TV satellite station said on its website. Iran is estimated to have 280 combat aircraft, including Russian-made MiG 29 aircraft, but serviceability may be 80 per cent or lower.

Iran last week tested missiles in the oil-rich Gulf, including one it says could reach Israel and US bases in West Asia, and Washington reminded Tehran that it was ready to defend its regional allies.

The Pentagon said on Tuesday that Iran has the ability to launch a ballistic missile capable of hitting sections of eastern and southern Europe.

Story continues below this ad

US leaders have not ruled out military options if diplomacy fails to assuage fears about Iran’s nuclear activities, which the world’s fourth-largest oil producer says is only to produce electricity.

Israel, long assumed to have its own atomic arsenal, has sworn to prevent Iran from emerging as a nuclear-armed power.

Iran has vowed to strike back at Tel Aviv, as well as US interests and shipping, if it is attacked.

Some US facilities across the Gulf are little more than 200 km from Iran’s coast, with air and naval bases in nearby Arab states such as Qatar and Bahrain.

Story continues below this ad

But analysts say Iran’s real ability to respond to any attack could be with more unconventional tactics than a missile salvo, such as deploying small craft to hit oil tankers, or using allies in the area to strike at US or Israeli interests.

‘Double bonanza for poor, middle class’: PM’s swadeshi pitch ahead of new GST roll out

India3 hr ago

PM Modi announced the rollout of new GST rates, calling it a "GST bachat utsav" and promising cheaper prices for medicines, insurance, and daily essentials. He emphasized that these reforms would ease doing business, attract investment, and benefit the poor, middle class, MSMEs, farmers, women, traders, and youth. He urged citizens to promote swadeshi goods.

View all shorts

Live Blog