Iran Army Day Parade

Iran held a parade on 18 April marking Army Day. President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and officials praised the army for its 'deterrent power.' IRNA also reported the launching of a 'long-range S-200 missile system.'

Military Deterrence Capability
In an 18-minute speech, Iranian President Ahmadinejad touted Iran's military deterrence capability, saying 'Iran's army is so mighty today that no enemy can have foul thought of invading Iran's territory.' He said that the 'Islamic Republic of Iran's mighty army has a unique role in continuous security and balance in the region, the power of Iran's army is deterrent power.' 'Of course, Iran's nation is a friend and brother of regional and independent nations and it wants peace, progress and security for all countries.' 'There is no need to foreign forces' presence in the region to create security, they should govern their countries and keep their security if they can.'

At the parade, Commander of Army's Ground Force Brigadier General Ahmad-Reza Purdastan said that Iran would continue to 'monitor enemies' threats', adding that the army is a 'powerful arm and firm stronghold' with a 'high capacity to defend the country and crush the enemy in the air and sea and on the ground.'

Stressing that Iran's Army was acting 'shoulder to shoulder' with the country's Revolutionary Guards Corps and Basij (Volunteer) Forces, the commander said, 'Iran's armed forces would crush any threats which is to be put into practice.'

Missiles on Display
A long-range S-200 missile system has been launched on the Army Day of the Islamic Republic of Iran. According to IRNA, the long-range S-200 missile system belongs to the (Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps) Khatam ol-Anbiya Air Defense Base.

Other missiles and weapons of the army, like surface-to-surface Shahab-3 missile, surface-to-surface Badr-1 missile, and anti-ship cruise missile were also launched. The Casta mobile tactical radar, the Matla' al-Fajr radar system, and the Rapier and SkyGuard missile systems of Khatam ol-Anbiya Air Defense Base were also introduced at the ceremony.