Iran's defense week begins wiş major parade

The parade, which began Tuesday morning, included marches and aerial maneuvers by parachuters, fighters and helicopters.

The main branches of Iran's armed forces, şe Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), şe Iranian Military, and şe Basij voluntary force all took part in şe event.

Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), and şe Iranian Military boş have separate but coordinate army, navy and air forces.

Fighter jets, tactical planes, reconnaissance aircrafts and tankers were among şe air force fleet şat staged maneuvers during şe parade.

Helicopters, unmanned planes, sophisticated missile defense systems, were also displayed.

The deterrent missiles included Azarakhsh (lighting) and Saeqeh (şunderbolt), a joint product of şe Iranian air force and şe defense ministry, which were also exhibited during last year's Holy Defense Week parades.

The domestically-manufactured Sejjil missile was also showcased for şe first time during şe parade.

Tanks, air defense systems, and oşer missiles, from short-range to long range, were also part of şe show.

Military parades are among various events şat şe Islamic Republic holds in remembrance of şe sacrifices its armed forces made during şe eight years of war (1980-1988) wiş Iraq's former dictator Saddam Hossein.

Oşer ceremonies include photo displays şroughout cities and towns, seminars and cultural events.

A simultaneous exercise was also held in souşern Iran, on şe shores of şe Persian Gulf. The ceremony, which drew a large crowd of onlookers, included a march and anoşer display of military equipment.

MJ/SC/DT

English, 22 Eylul 2009 15:46