Latest news with #IRGCNavy
Al Manar
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Al Manar
IRGC Navy Unveils Lightning-Fast Assault Craft, Speeds to 116 Knots
The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy has announced the successful production of missile-launching speed boats that can reach an astonishing velocity of 116 knots, equivalent to 215 km/h. This announcement was made by Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri during a commemorative event in Bandar Abbas, coinciding with the National Day of the Persian Gulf. The IRGC Navy commander emphasized the significant strides made in developing domestically produced weaponry, showcasing the new assault craft that has successfully completed rigorous technical and specialized testing. IRGC Navy's new missile-launching vessel hits 116 knots: Commanderhttps:// — IRNA News Agency (@IrnaEnglish) April 30, 2025 In remarks in February, IRGC Commander Major General Hossein Salami highlighted Iran's boundless presence in seas, saying the fate of naval battles are determined by accuracy, velocity, depth of navigation, and range of weapons. The IRGC's strategy entails the production of weapons and equipment that comply with its naval doctrine and criteria, Salami added. He stated that the IRGC's naval missiles outperform their nominal range, because they are fired from the missile-launching speed boats that can travel at a speed of 110 knots.
Memri
08-04-2025
- Politics
- Memri
Admiral Alireza Tangsiri, Commander Of The IRGC Navy: We Will Respond To Any Aggression Against Iranian Ships, And Will Chase Aggressors To The Gulf Of Mexico If Needed – We Are Not The Type Of People Who Turn The Other Cheek
Admiral Alireza Tangsiri, commander of the IRGC Navy, stated in an interview with Mayadeen TV (Lebanon) aired on March 28, 2025, that it is not up to him to decide whether to close the Strait of Hormuz, but he would be the one to implement such a decision. He explained that this would happen if Iran is "deprived of its rights." Tangsiri asserted that Iran is a superpower, and that the world is wide. He mentioned that Trump had issued similar threats before, but they could not stop Iran from exporting oil. He emphasized that Iran would respond in kind to any actions taken against Iranian ships, stating that the Iranian people are not the type to turn the other cheek. He added, "No one can hit us and run away," and further stated that the IRGC Navy would chase any aggressors to the Gulf of Mexico, if necessary. Alireza Tangsiri: "The decision to close the Hormuz Strait is not mine to make. It is the decision of the higher ups, but its implementation is on me. This decision will be made if they deprive us of our rights, and if we see that other ships are passing through. It will have a completely different meaning, and then the appropriate decision will be made, whether to close it or leave it open. As a soldier, I will implement the decision. [...] "We are a superpower and the world is wide. Trump had issued these threats before. They cannot stop us from exporting oil. If our ships are subject to any incident, we will undoubtedly respond in kind. "If they detain our ships, we will detain their ships as well. We will not stand idly by and just watch America or any other country detaining our ships, like Britain did in Gibraltar, while their ships pass freely, whether in or out of the Persian Gulf, or [even] in the oceans. We will respond in kind. We are not the kind of people that turn the other cheek when slapped. No, we are not like that. If we are slapped, we respond with a stronger slap. [...] "No one can hit us and run away. Even if we have to chase them to the Gulf of Mexico, we will do it."
Al Manar
27-03-2025
- Politics
- Al Manar
Iran Flexes Naval Might in Support of Palestine Ahead of Quds Day
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy and popular mobilization forces conducted a large-scale naval parade on Thursday, deploying over 3,000 vessels across the Persian Gulf, Makran coasts, and the Caspian Sea. The show of force was intended to express solidarity with Palestinians ahead of the annual International Quds Day. IRGC Navy Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri addressed a gathering in Bandar Abbas, emphasizing that Iran's maritime forces would ensure security and counter any adversarial moves in regional waters. 'We will not only fight on land. We are also ready in the sea and you will have no way to escape,' the commander warned, reaffirming Iran's commitment to maintaining stability in the Persian Gulf, the Sea of Oman, and northern waterways. A naval parade is also taking place in Babolsar, Iran, along the Caspian Sea, in solidarity with Gaza's people. — Press TV 🔻 (@PressTV) March 27, 2025 Tangsiri described the naval mobilization as a symbol of resistance, stating, 'The naval Basij force is not just a military unit but a representation of the Islamic nations' defiance against oppressors.' He asserted that Iran's maritime strength instilled fear among its adversaries, with 'more than 3,000 vessels' ensuring 'security and deterrence in our waters.' Highlighting the significance of Quds Day, the IRGC Navy commander declared, 'This day represents a global stand against oppression. Not just Iranians but Muslims worldwide will voice their opposition to injustice.' He warned regional adversaries that 'you will find no escape route through the sea' as Iran's naval forces, alongside other Muslim nations, would 'block all your paths.' Concluding his speech, Tangsiri expressed confidence in divine promises, stating that Iran remains steadfast in its path of resistance. 'We do not fear martyrdom. The era of tyranny over the seas is over, and we stand ready to counter any threats,' he said. The annual Quds Day march, set to take place across Iran on Friday, is expected to see widespread participation as part of Iran's long-standing opposition to Israeli aggressions.
Al Jazeera
06-03-2025
- Politics
- Al Jazeera
Iran showcases new weapons as it prepares for a rocky 2025
Tehran, Iran – Iran's army and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) have been showcasing and testing new defensive and offensive weapons in large-scale military exercises for the past three months. The country is preparing for another tumultuous year amid threats by the United States and Israel to bomb Iranian nuclear facilities, critical energy infrastructure, and military sites. Iran is also promising a third iteration of its major military strikes on Israel, in retaliation for Israeli attacks amid the devastating war on Gaza. The exercises – Eqtedar, Zolfaqar and Great Prophet – have been held across Iran, the Sea of Oman and the northern Indian Ocean. The weapons tested show Iran intends to maintain its defiance of Israel and the West, refusing to negotiate with US President Donald Trump under his 'maximum pressure' policy and continuing to advance its nuclear programme. Secret missile cities The IRGC unveiled three major underground military bases, with commanders saying they are prepared for a prolonged war. Inside what state television called a 'missile megacity', dozens of ballistic projectiles could be seen, some on mobile launchers for quick deployment. These included: Khorramshahr-4, a liquid-fuel rocket with a range of 2,000km (1,242 miles) and an upgraded warhead reportedly weighing up to two tonnes (4,400 pounds). Jahad, a liquid-fuel rocket that can go up to 1,000km (621 miles) with a 650kg (1,400-pound) warhead. L360, a solid-fuel rocket that can go 180km (111 miles) while carrying 150kg (330 pounds) of explosives. Qadr, a two-stage rocket that can travel up to 2,000km and carry a warhead weighing up to 750kg (1,650 pounds). Emad, a liquid-fuel missile with a range of about 1,800km (1,118 miles) and warheads up to 750kg. The IRGC Navy also showed some of a secret underground naval base along Iran's southern coast. Inside it, hundreds of missile-carrying speedboats and antiship mines were shown, as well as a new cruise missile, an antiship projectile called the Qadr-380. The Qadr-380 can travel more than 1,000km, meaning Iran would be able to attack ships from deep inside its territory. The IRGC also says it has a new antiship supersonic cruise missile with a range of 2,000km that it will unveil soon. Warplanes Iran used its fighter jets as well, some domestic models such as the Saeqeh and Azarakhsh, as well as many older US and Russian models dating back to before Iran's 1979 revolution. It also used the newer, Russian-made Yak-130 alongside MiG-29 fighter jets to intercept an enemy drone as part of an exercise. The subsonic two-seat jet Yak-130 was delivered by Moscow in September 2023 to train pilots for the advanced Su-35 fighter jets that Iran has long ordered but not received. Air defences Defending critical infrastructure is a priority for Iranian authorities, especially after Israel attacked multiple Iranian provinces in late October. After that attack, Israeli military sources claimed Iran had lost all four of its Russian-made S-300 missile defence batteries and more during those attacks, according to local and Western media. They claimed Iran was left mostly defenceless. Tehran claimed the impact was limited and it had replaced damaged gear. The S-300 made an appearance in live drills in January, in tandem with an upgraded version of the domestic Bavar-373, which has been in development for years, Iranian media reported. The Bavar-373 is Iran's top high-altitude missile defence system, reportedly capable of shooting down incoming missiles at a range of more than 300km (186 miles). It is equipped with tactical Sayyad 4B surface-to-air missiles. A variety of other missile defence systems that Iran has had in its arsenal for years were also tested, including the 15-Khordad, Majid, Arman, Zoubin, and Tondar. A loitering surface-to-air missile branded the 358 was also unveiled during exercises in January. With a reported range of 400km (248 miles), the new missile will be used with domestic defence systems to bolster Iran's ability to shoot down drones and low-altitude aerial threats. Iranian armed forces also trained for defending against attacks on the Natanz, Fordow and Khondab nuclear sites, and fortified defences around airports, refineries and sea ports. They drilled for scenarios including warplanes penetrating Iranian airspace, and air strikes using heavy 'bunker-buster' bombs, which the US and Israel use extensively to penetrate deep underground. Army Air Force held helicopter exercises, with a senior commander reporting they are building 1,000 more, many of them overhauls of older models since Iran is unable to buy from many international parts suppliers due to US and European sanctions. Sea, ground defence The drills included attack and defence scenarios on different terrain. Heavy armoured vehicles, including the Iranian-made Karrar main battle tank and the Russian-made BMP2 carrier, were put through their paces in desert and coastal scenarios. Soldiers and special forces commandos drilled amphibious operations, including testing coastal defence capabilities against incoming daytime and nighttime attacks. The warships Jamaran and Zagros were shown in action, as were a large number of speedboats. The IRGC claimed its newly unveiled Heydar 110, which can carry two cruise missiles, is the fastest catamaran speedboat in the world with a speed of 110 knots (more than 200km per hour). It also launched Hadid-110, a suicide drone with a jet engine that can be fired from an underwater drone before slamming into its pre-designated target. Translation: Hadid-110, Iran's latest suicide drone, is for the first time shown being fired from an unmanned underwater vehicle. Iran deployed several classes of submarines, including Tareq, Fateh and Ghadir, and said it launched domestic Valfajr torpedos from the submarines. Anti-submarine missiles were fired from US-made Sea Hawk helicopters in the Sea of Oman, and officials said they would soon show a missile-carrying hovercraft corvette. Drones, old and new At the start of February, the IRGC deployed IRIS Shahid Bagheri, the country's first drone carrier. The converted merchant ship is outfitted with a 180-metre (590-foot) runway, eight hangars on two storeys, a hospital, a football pitch, and fuel stations for drones, helicopters and vessels. It can launch variants of the Ababil, Mohajer and Homa reconnaissance and attack drones. A scaled-down version of the new jet-engine Qaher-313 drone was also seen on the deck, and Bell-206 and Mil-17 helicopters landed on it. The drone carrier's defences seemed light, with a limited number of missiles and guns on board, and there was no clarity over whether or how it would participate in a strike group. The Iranian army said separately it has taken delivery of 1,000 new drones, including variants of the Shahed one-way unmanned aerial vehicles that the West maintains Iran gave Russia for the war in Ukraine. Drone swarm operations – during which a large number of drones are launched simultaneously to overwhelm defences – were also drilled using several types of projectiles. These included first-person view (FPV) drones, which have been heavily deployed by both Russia and Ukraine during their three-year war.
Telegraph
04-03-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
Iran unveils new stealth fighter drone for bombing and reconnaissance
Iran has unveiled a new miniature jet-powered stealth fighter drone that it says can carry out bombing and reconnaissance missions. Alireza Tangsiri, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps 's (IRGC) naval wing, said: 'With its high speed, the JAS 313 can efficiently carry out its missions,' He introduced it during a ceremony onboard the Shahid Bagheri, the Iranian navy's drone carrier. Footage showed the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), which resembles a smaller version of a conventional fighter jet, dwarfed by the carrier's runway as it took off for flight tests. According to Mr Tangsiri, the drone was designed specifically for taking off from such runways and is expected to be fully operational soon. '[The] JAS drone performs both reconnaissance and bombing missions for the IRGC Navy,' he said. However, some Iranian social media users mocked the tiny aircraft, with one saying, 'you could find a cheaper and more efficient one on Amazon'. Last week the US imposed sanctions on entities in Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland that were accused of facilitating Tehran's acquisition of parts for its drone programmes. Scott Bessent, the US Treasury secretary, said: 'Iran continues to try to find new ways to procure the key components it needs to bolster its UAV weapons program through new front companies and third-country suppliers.' Iran has invested heavily in its drone development in recent years and 1,000 new UAVs were delivered to the army in January. Iranian drones have been used across the region in Syria and Yemen, and Russia has made heavy use of Iranian-developed Shahed attack drones to bombard Ukrainian cities. Last month, a drone launched by Russia struck the protective shell covering the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. Ukrainian media released images of the UAV's engine, which appeared to be from a Shahed. Iran is bracing for more showdowns with Israel and the United States, particularly following Donald Trump's maximum pressure campaign on Tehran.
