• Iran has revealed a subterranean facility to demonstrate its aerial military capabilities.
• In response to US and Israel’s joint exercises.
• The Iranian army has displayed the Asef, a long-range air-launched cruise missile.

In reaction to huge joint exercises by the United States and Israel, the Iranian army has disclosed a significant subterranean facility to demonstrate its aerial military capabilities.

On Tuesday, state media aired images from the site known as “Eagle 44,” where a variety of fighter jets and military drones were seen in action.

According to the report, the base is buried in the mountains to shield it from ordnance dropped by US strategic bombers that can breach defenses.

Top military officials were present for the unveiling, which took place less than two weeks after the US and Israel conducted their largest-ever joint exercise with the participation of thousands of troops, dozens of aircraft, naval ships, and artillery systems.

The exercise was widely interpreted as a message to Iran amid escalating tensions.

Days prior to that joint exercise, Iran had conducted extensive drills to demonstrate its military preparedness.

“Maybe they hadn’t received Iran’s message [with that exercise] correctly. Iran is now sending a message again. This is the sound of rumbling from within the mountains,” the state television reporter said, as a fighter jet moved in a tunnel behind him.

State television showed footage of fighter jets taking off to conduct drill missions during day and night, adding that “the message of these operations is that now we are the absolute air power in the region”.

The Iranian army also displayed the Asef, a brand-new long-range air-launched cruise missile that can breach enemy defenses and be fitted on Iran’s Sukhoi Su-24 aircraft built in Russia.

There have been rumors in recent months that Iran may soon receive more modern Su-35 jets from Russia as Tehran and Moscow quickly deepen their diplomatic ties.

Although they have expressed interest in the aircraft, Iranian military officials have not made any comments regarding the delivery schedule.

The head of the Iranian army, Abdolrahim Mousavi, stated on state television from the subterranean facility that “our bases would soon host new fighter jets” without going into further detail.

“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.

The chief of staff of the Iranian armed forces, Mohammad Bagheri, underlined that “that starting site will also face massive assault in addition to Israel” if any country in the area were to be utilized by Israel to launch an attack on Iranian soil.

According to the state television report, the Iranian army has numerous more sites, similar to Eagle 44, that are operational, can launch attacks, and boast the ability to support planes for months at a time, if necessary. They also reportedly have electronic warfare capabilities.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has showed several of its underground drone and missile bases in messages to the US and Israel, while the Iranian army earlier unveiled an above-ground drone base.

The most recent displays of power also occur just days after an Israeli drone attack that Iran said was on an army base in Isfahan.

Also Read

Earthquake in Turkey & Syria: Emergency supplies from Iran and Iraq arrive in Syria

70 tons of food, medical supplies, and blankets are sent. Iranian aid...