Iran Press/Iran news: A spokesman for the naval exercises, Admiral Hamzeh Ali Kaviyani confirmed that the naval exercises, codenamed 'Velayat 97', and with the starting code 'Ya Zahra', got underway on Friday morning, and will last for three days.
According to an Iran Press report, spokesman Admiral Hamzeh Ali Kaviyani added: "The military exercises will take place east of the Strait of Hormuz, and in the Sea of Oman. Dozens of surface units will take part in these naval exercises, including warships equipped with torpedoes, aircraft carriers, supporting warships, frigates, heavy and light submarines, and naval aircraft including fixed-wing fighter jets, helicopters, and various other aircraft."
The spokesman added: "The aircraft carrier 'Khark' will lead this military exercise, and the top brass of the Iranian army, including the commander-in-chief of the Army, Major General Abdol Rahim Mousavi will closely watch the naval parade and military exercises taking place."
"The military drills will take place in a vast area stretching over two million square kilometers, including east of the Strait of Hormuz, in the Sea of Oman, and in the Northern India Ocean, as far south as the 10-degree latitude. Cruise missiles, torpedos, and various other types of missiles will be test-fired from warships and submarines during these drills, and their performance will be assessed," the spokesman said in conclusion.
Related news:
Iran Navy to stage military drill in Indian Ocean
The Fateh (conqueror) submarine and Sahand destroyer -- both indigenized -- were used in 'Velayat 97' drills for the first time.
Fateh submarine is the first indigenized medium-class Iranian submarine joining the Navy on Sunday, with the presence of the president.
Related news:
President Rouhani officially inaugurates Fateh submarine
On 21 February, Commander of Iranian Army Navy Rear Admiral Hossein Khanzadi said that Iranian Navy will test-fire missiles to be launched from Ghadir-class submarines towards ships on the surface in 'Velayat-97' naval military exercises.
According to Khanzadi, the 'Velayat-97' is carried out in a vast maneuver area which starts from the Strait of Hormuz and the Oman Sea to the Indian Ocean. 103/211
Read more:
Iran's army wraps up 'Eghtedar 97’ drills by remote-controlled blasts
Iran kicks off large-scale military drills to showcase air defenses
Final stage of IRGC drill starts in the Persian Gulf
