‘Guardians of Revolution’: IRGC warns enemies it is at ‘peak of all-out readiness’
Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has, on the 46th anniversary of its establishment, declared its highest level of operational readiness, reiterating unwavering commitment to defend the Islamic Republic and confront any adversary.
Brigadier General Ali Mohammad Naeini, an IRGC spokesman, made the remarks in a media briefing on Tuesday, emphasizing the Corps' comprehensive preparedness.
"The IRGC will remain the steadfast guardian of the [country’s] Islamic Revolution and its achievements. Its forces are the protectors of the divine boundaries and the identity of the Revolution."
The remarks echoed those made by the same official earlier this month, during which he had asserted that Iran's national security and defense capabilities were non-negotiable, and highlighted that these were red lines that could not be compromised under any circumstances.
Aerospace Division: Advancing deterrence
Naeini highlighted significant advancements in the IRGC's Aerospace Division, particularly throughout last year’s Operation True Promise I & II, which marked direct retaliation against Israeli aggression against the Iranian soil.
Some of the enhancements, he detailed, included extension of the range and variety of the division’s radar systems, expansion of its electro-optical systems, integration of advanced air defense, drone, missile, and communications equipment, and development of mid- and long-range ballistic missile systems focusing on solid-fuel technology.
The division had also managed to realize advancement of its ground-launched cruise missiles and anti-ship ballistic capabilities, and expand its missile bases and optimize its Su-22 fighter aircraft, the spokesperson noted.
Ground Force: Securing borders
Addressing the IRGC Ground Force's role, Naeini noted its critical contribution to border security, especially in southeastern regions.
The force has conducted multiple military drills, including Martyrs of Security and Great Prophet-19, and participated in joint exercises with neighboring countries to enhance the combat capabilities that concern air defense, drone operations, missile systems, and electronic warfare, he added.
Naval strength: Introducing drone carrier warship
The IRGC Navy has also demonstrated its maritime prowess with the unveiling of the drone carrier vessel Shahid Bagheri, the official remarked.
The vessel, converted from a commercial ship, features an angled flight deck with a ski-jump ramp and is equipped to carry multiple squadrons of drones, helicopters, and cruise missiles, besides being capable of travelling up to 22,000 nautical miles without refueling.
Naeini, meanwhile, pointed to the naval division’s having conducted “oceanic missions using the Shahid Mahdavi military vessel, equipped its vessels with advanced electronic warfare systems, and carried out complex and specialized naval drills.
The Corps’ Navy had additionally “deployed combat flotillas to international waters and crossed the equator, acquired the technology to build unmanned vessels, and effectively countered smuggling activities.”
Quds Force: A borderless force
Highlighting the role of the IRGC’s Quds Force, Naeini reaffirmed its contribution to Iran's unwavering support for the Palestinian cause of liberation from Israeli occupation and aggression.
"The Quds Force continues to support the cause of Palestine, which remains the foremost concern of the Islamic world. Its efforts include spiritual backing of Palestinian resistance fighters, delivering humanitarian aid to Lebanon and Palestine, and assisting victims of Zionist atrocities, [all] clear signs of the force’s mission as a borderless force of struggle in defense of the oppressed."
