Iran has launched a two-day air drill involving a range of military aircraft, including fighter jets and bombers.
Iranian state media report that the "massive" war games that kicked off on September 5 in the central province of Isfahan conveys “Iran’s message of security, stability, and lasting peace to regional countries.”
The exercise, which will be carried out in three phases, is said to cover an area of 400,000 square kilometers.
The lieutenant commander of the Iranian Air Force, Brigadier General Alireza Barkhor, said on September 4 the maneuvers are aimed at testing defenses and displaying the combat strength of the Iranian armed forces.
Iran claims it has made “major breakthroughs “in its defense capabilities in recent years.
The claims have been challenged by Western experts who say Iran often exaggerates its capabilities.