Iranian armed forces today kicked off the first day of week-long ceremonies commemorating the eight years of Sacred Defense (the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq war).
The parade included marches and aerial maneuvers by parachutists, fighters and helicopters.
The main branches of Iran's armed forces, the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), the Iranian Military, and the Basij voluntary force all took part in the event.
Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), and the Iranian Army have separate but coordinated army, navy, and air forces.
Fighter jets, tactical planes, reconnaissance aircrafts and tankers were among the air force fleet that staged maneuvers during the parade. Helicopters, unmanned planes, sophisticated missile defense systems, were also displayed.
The deterrent missiles included Azarakhsh (lighting) and Saeqeh (thunderbolt), a joint product of the Iranian air force and the defense ministry, which were also exhibited during last year's Holy Defense Week parades. The domestically-manufactured Sejjil missile was also showcased for the first time during the parade.
Tanks, air defense systems, and other missiles, from short-range to long range, were also part of the show.
Also, the army is displaying the latest domestically manufactured equipment and a state-of-the-art air defense missile system.
Sources: Press TV, Fars, ISNA, Iran, September 22, 2009
