Iran tests radars on 3rd day of drills Iran's military has entered the third day of its biggest ever nationwide air drills, with testing radar capabilities in defending the country's territory. The anti-air defense units from Iran's Armed Forces and the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) are taking part in the five-day air defense maneuvers dubbed Defenders of Velayat Skies, which began on Tuesday. According to the spokesman for the military drills Brigadier Hamid Arzhangi, various kinds of fixed and mobile radars that have been domestically manufactured or refurbished would be tested during the third day of the drills on Thursday. He further explained that radars would be used to detect and identify objects and pass relevant data to the operational units. The military official added that all types of the country's radar systems, which would relay intelligence to the unified command and control network of the central headquarters, would be utilized and examined during the third day of the maneuvers. He pointed out that reconnaissance missions to detect state-of-the-art systems of theatrical enemies using radars were also on the agenda of the third day of drills. During the second day of the maneuvers on Wednesday, advanced equipment used for communication and exchange of intelligence along with modern electro-optical systems were successfully tested and utilized. The air maneuvers are being held near Iran's strategic sights and landmarks, aiming to assess performance of new air defense systems and enhance rapid response capabilities in countering potential aerial attacks. Iranian military officials say the drills convey a message of peace and friendship to neighboring countries and a fierce warning against enemies. Iran simulates Electronic Warfare in drills An Iranian commander says the Air Force has "analyzed and conducted" Electronic Warfare (EW) missions during the first three days of its biggest defense drills. "EW means jamming the enemies' electronic systems, equipment, and capabilities and the mission of this war is to seize and control electromagnetic fields," Colonel Moharam Qolizadeh said on Thursday. "We have analyzed and conducted EW missions in the drills [dubbed] 'Modafean Aseman Velayt 3' (Guardians of Velayati Skies)," he added. The colonel said the maneuvers were aimed at "spotting [the enemy] without being spotted" and tapping the enemy communications lines without compromising transmissions by Iranian forces. Earlier on Thursday, the spokesman for the military drills Brigadier General Hamid Arzhangi said Iran had successfully tested a new generation of its first domestically-manufactured air defense system during the third day of the nationwide air drills. The Mersad (Ambush) modern medium-range system is capable of spotting and destroying advanced aircraft at low and high altitudes. In addition to its high mobility, Mersad's new generation can be used in electronic warfare and can be networked with other radar and defense systems, Arzhangi added. The forces were also set to test various models of fixed and mobile radars that have been domestically manufactured or refurbished. Air defense units from Iran's Armed Forces and the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) are taking part in the five-day air maneuvers. Show Less >>