Iran unveils underground base in response to US-Israel exercises
The Iranian army also unveiled a new missile called the Asef which was described as a long-range, air-fired cruise missile that is meant to be mounted on Iran’s Russian-made Sukhoi Su-24 jets and can penetrate enemy defences.
In recent months, there have been reports that Iran could soon take delivery of more advanced Su-35 jets from Russia as Tehran and Moscow rapidly expand their bilateral relations. Iranian military officials have expressed interest in the aircraft, but have not commented on when delivery could take place.
Abdolrahim Mousavi, the commander-in-chief of the Iranian army, told state television at the underground base that “our bases will soon host new fighter jets”, without elaborating.
“If our enemies, who are prone to wrong calculations, sometimes see some of these capabilities then it helps with ensuring more calm in the world and in the region,” Mousavi said.
Mohammad Bagheri, the chief of staff of Iranian armed forces, added that if any country in the region is used by Israel to launch an attack on Iranian soil, “that originating point will also face heavy assault in addition to Israel”.
The state television report claimed the Iranian army has many other bases like Eagle 44 that are operational and can mount attacks while being capable of sustaining aircraft for months if necessary in addition to boasting electronic warfare abilities.
The Iranian army had previously unveiled an above-ground drone base while the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has shown several of its underground drone and missile bases in messages to the US and Israel.
The latest shows of force also come days after a drone attack on an army facility in Isfahan, which Iran blamed on Israel.
