Velayat 91 Naval Drills Show Iran's High Defense Capabilities: MP

Tehran, Dec 31, IRNA – Velayat 91 naval drills demonstrated IR Iran's high capabilities in defending maritime border, the member of the Majlis(Parliament) Commission on National Security and Foreign Policy Mohammad Hassan Asafari said here on Sunday. He made the remarks in an interview with IRNA. ''Hegemonic powers are worried about the emergence of a new influential world power like Iran which is inspiring for other awakened nations in confrontation with the dominant powers, including the world Zionism.' Iranian Navy started 6-day ‘Velayat 91′ naval exercises in Iran's southern territorial waters on Friday. Navy commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari told reporters that it covers international waters in Gulf of Oman, Strait of Hormuz, North of Indian Ocean, Gulf of Aden, and Bab el Mandeb Strait. The Velayat-91 naval exercises would demonstrate Iran's naval capabilities in defending Iran's interests and sea borders, carrying the message of peace for neighbors. Navy’s 23rd fleet of warships comprised of the Jamaran destroyer and the Bushehr Helicopter carrier would escort commercial ships and oil tankers against the piracy during the exercise. The exercises would also test missile and defense systems, combat fleets and submarines, and will also include combat training, maritime patrol and reconnaissance and combating threats. The exercises would also test the navy’s capabilities in dealing with electronic warfare alongside its knowledge of naval combat. The IRI’s submarine capability has advanced compared with last year, adding that Iran now has the ability to manufacture submarines, including the Ghadir brand as well as repairing and overhauling heavy submarines. Iran's navy commander in an interview with IRNA on Thursday had said that Iran's Navy would continue its presence in international waters./end