Iran Launches ‘Eqtedar 1403’ (Great Prophet 19) Drills Near Natanz Nuclear Facility
The first phase of the joint air defense exercise, Eqtedar (Authority) 1403, has commenced, featuring units from the Air Defense Force of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army and the IRGC Aerospace Force, under the code name “Ya Ali Ibn Abi Talib (AS),” in the air defense perimeter of the Natanz nuclear center in central Iran.
In this phase, the air defense units are conducting an all-around defense to defend the Shahid Ahmadi Roshan Nuclear Site, also known as Natanz site, against various air threats under critical electronic warfare conditions.
The Eghtedar 1403 exercise includes a range of Iranian long-range, medium-range, and short-range defense systems, as well as various radar and electronic warfare systems.
Published images reveal the presence of Tabas medium-range air defense systems, Sevom(3rd) Khordad long-range air defense system, Dezful short-range air defense system, and the Sepehr-14 passive electro-optical system for the Raad air defense system.
Additionally, for the first time, the mysterious 358 air defense missile was officially deployed in this exercise. The 358 loitering missile is renowned for its impressive track record of downing American and Israeli drones in the region.
It should be noted that since January 4, the Iranian Armed Forces have commenced an exercise called “Great Prophet 19,” which will continue until January 9. The Eqtedar 1403 exercise is being conducted as part of the Great Prophet 19 exercise.
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