'Foes Will Be Astonished': IRGC Claims 260 Hostile Aircraft Downed
IRGC Spokesman Brigadier General Hossein Mohebbi reveals massive missile facilities and the seizure of 7 intact reconnaissance drones.
In a bold assertion of military strength, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force has revealed staggering claims regarding its combat successes and technological leaps. During a press briefing at the Sarcheshmeh Cultural Complex in Tehran, Brigadier General Hossein Mohebbi, the IRGC Spokesman, announced that the force had intercepted and destroyed 260 hostile aircraft during conflicts initiated by the United States against Iran.
Underground Arsenals and Strategic Shifts
General Mohebbi highlighted a critical shift in Iran's military infrastructure, revealing the construction of extensive subterranean missile facilities. These underground bases were designed to leverage the country's unique geography and domestic technical expertise to ensure survival and operational continuity.
The General explained that the IRGC successfully transitioned its production capabilities from the surface to underground bunkers. This strategic move allowed the force to continue manufacturing missiles and drones even while under enemy bombardment, ensuring a flexible and resilient production line.
The Capture of Reconnaissance Drones
Adding to the claims of technological dominance, the IRGC spokesperson disclosed that they had recovered seven intact reconnaissance aircraft within the last two weeks. Specifically, General Mohebbi identified these as MQM-170 reconnaissance drones.
"This is nothing but a demonstration of our technological superiority over the enemy," stated the spokesman. "If another war breaks out, the world will witness the IRGC Aerospace Force’s new capabilities, and our enemies will be astonished by its strength and power."
Three Pillars of Military Self-Reliance
The IRGC outlined a comprehensive strategy for development, which General Mohebbi divided into three foundational pillars that have transformed the nation's defense landscape:
- Indigenous Knowledge: The first achievement was the cultivation of home-grown scientific expertise and the localization of global aerospace knowledge. This shift turned Iran from a buyer of military weaponry into a provider.
- Industrial Application: The second pillar focused on turning knowledge into hardware. Iran now produces proprietary systems that meet domestic needs and are sold internationally, including the Arman missile, the 358 drone, and the Khordad-3 air defense system.
- Complete Self-Sufficiency: The final pillar is the total elimination of foreign dependency. The IRGC asserts that all current weaponry and components are produced using domestic expertise without any reliance on external procurement.
The announcements were made as part of the IRGC Aerospace Force's dedicated commemorative week, an event used to honor veterans and martyrs while showcasing the force's evolution into a global exporter of defense equipment.