Iran test-fires new missiles in naval drills

The Iranian Navy test-fired the latest versions of the Nasir missiles during military manoeuvres on Monday taking place in the country’s strategic southern waters, Press TV has reported.

“The latest Nasir cruise missile was test-fired during the Velayat 95 naval manoeuvres,” Defence Minister Hossein Dehghan told the media. He added that the missile had been successful in hitting its target. Velayat 95 marked the final phase of the manoeuvres which started earlier this month.

The Tehran-based Tasnim News Agency added that the Iranian naval forces, for the first time, have successfully tested a new, advanced, Iranian-made Dehlaviyeh guided missile system, which specialises in targeting and destroying vessels, submarines and ships. The missile system has been manufactured by Iranian technicians and is a laser-guided weapon.

Read: Iran holds naval war games amid rising tensions with US

On Sunday, the Iranian navy commenced large-scale exercises over an area of 2 million square kilometres, stretching from the Strait of Hormuz and Oman Sea to the north of the Indian Ocean and Bab Al-Mandab Strait. Iran announced recently that the manoeuvres are aimed at improving the navy’s capabilities in the fight against terrorism and piracy.

According to media sources, the manoeuvres included tactical, reconnaissance and rescuing operations. The drills also witnessed the test-firing of new torpedoes as well as missiles.