News / Defense

Iran marks National Army Day with no march-pasts due to coronavirus

Sunday, 18 April 2021 10:17 AM [ Last Update: Sunday, 18 April 2021 11:28 AM ]

A domestically-developed long-range ballistic missile is seen during a motorcade parade to mark the National Army Day in the capital Tehran, on April 18, 2021. (Photo by IRNA)

Iran has marked its National Army Day by parading the latest military achievements, including home-grown air defense systems, inside selected military bases across the country due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Iranian military units on Sunday held a motorcade parade in the capital Tehran where various types of unmanned aerial vehicles, tanks, anti-aircraft batteries, advanced missile systems and different kinds of electronic warfare systems were put on display.

Army chief Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, and commanders of the army’s air force, navy and ground force as well as senior commanders of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) were present to oversee the parade.

Leader urges Iran’s Army to boost readiness as much as needed

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei issues a message ahead of the National Army Day, calling on the military to strengthen its preparedness as much as needed.

“The army has always stood with the people. Forty-three years ago, we supported the Iranian nation and we continue to do so,” Mousavi told Press TV.

Military authorities, however, decided to cancel march-pasts in compliance with the coronavirus restrictions.

The Army’s air defense division unveiled three domestically-developed missile systems, including Zolfaqar low-altitude missile system that enjoys great mobility and can connect to electro-optic systems.

Majid missile system used for intercepting and downing low-altitude targets as well as cruise missiles, and Khatam artillery fire control system capable of striking various aerial targets at low altitudes were showcased as well.

Damavand strategic and long-range system, which is used for downing various aircraft as well as cruise and ballistic missiles, was also displayed.

Ahead of the ceremonies, a message from Leader of Iran's Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei was read out, in which he extolled the contributions the Army has made to ensuring the security of the country.

The National Army Day was included in the Iranian calendar after a historic letter from the late founder of the Islamic Republic, Imam Khomeini, in 1979, in which he voiced his strong support for the Army and ordered its troops to hold nationwide parades on April 18 every year.

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