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| Syria-Lebanon-Iran |
| Revolutionary Guards Building Weapon to Target Apache Helicopters |
| 2010-02-19 |
| Regime Boasts of Defense Capabilities at Revolution's Anniversary Ceremonies Alef – Summary translation by Persia House February 2, 2010 Colonel Nasser Arab-Baygi, Chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps' (IRGC) Self-Sufficiency Organization, spoke of the country's defense capabilities during the celebration of the Islamic Revolution's victory: “The enemy should not believe that just because their Apache helicopter operations were successful in Iraq and Afghanistan, they would be as victorious in Iran. If attacked, we will end the Apache's power. We have based our research on the enemy's threats. We continuously study and identify the foreign enemy's regional, international and internal threats and capabilities. Our structure and organization are designed to form a matrix, and then we immediately form specialized research teams. We will never be restrained by classic structure and organization. “We are working on several fundamental programs and basic infrastructure in carrying weapons and equipment in the field of mobility and rapid response. Specifically, we are focusing on: air defense (against aerial and ground threats); preventing espionage operations; and tackling terrorist activities that are conceived by the World Arrogance [the U.S.] and Israel with the help of some regional countries. “We plan for the enemy's entire threat. In the IRGC's new structure, the enemy's capabilities, equipment, and operations outside and inside Iran are our priority. Our intelligence teams analyze the information, and then we plan accordingly. “In the event that we are attacked by the enemy, we will end their Apache and tank power. The IRGC has gained amazing capabilities in designing anti-armor weapons. The Imam Hussein Ground Force Battalions have the quality and efficiency similar to other battalions. The only difference is that the Imam Hussein battalion's mission is unconventional defense, camouflage, and concealment for conventional and personnel defense. Our experts are constantly trying to improve these capabilities. “In the latest defense news, we have designed and manufactured an advanced tactical ‘Safir 3' vehicle. This vehicle has a 1.25 ton capacity and special equipment, and is capable of climbing vertical and lateral slopes. It can easily be transformed into a weapons carrying vehicle—specifically defense weapons. Thus this vehicle has dual functionality: it can be a personnel carrier or armored carrier. This vehicle is equipped to keep warm or cold temperature for the fighters [a.k.a air conditioner or heater]. Safir 3 will be unveiled in the near future. “Utilizing universities' talents in IRGC Ground Force defense research, we have reached out to universities for joint research projects in order to recruit and encourage talented students, studying technical subject matters, who are interested in participating in these joint programs. The Self-Sufficiency Organization will provide financial assistance for students' research. For example, we recently reached an agreement with the Dean of Imam Hussein University (IHU) to form a joint committee with the entire technical and engineering schools and research centers of the university. The Self-Sufficiency Organization will provide support and present our technological requirements. IHU professors and students can be assigned to this organization to work on research projects. For the original article in Persian, click here. Persia House Analysis: Colonel Arab-Baygi's statements illustrate the manner in which the regime often exaggerates its military's strength to the Iranian populace by touting capabilities it has yet to acquire. Of everything he mentions, the “Safir 3' advanced tactical vehicle seems to be the one Iran has actually manufactured thus far, although it has yet to be unveiled; it will be the latest version of the original Safir, which was introduced in December 2007. The so-called anti-Apache weapon is the light-weight laser guided Qaem missile, which is in the beginning stages of production. Also at the beginning stage of production is the Toophan 5 anti-armor missile, which is designed to hold two warheads. According to Iranian Defense Minister Ahmad Vahidi, the Toofan 5 is “one of the most advanced anti-armor missiles,' and is designed to penetrate armored vehicles, personnel carriers, and tanks. The IRGC's Self-Sufficiency Organization is a testament to the importance the Islamic Republic places on developing its indigenous defense industry. This push began as a result of the US arms embargo of the 1980s, and was exacerbated by Iran's experience in its eight-year war with Iraq, in which it felt the international community sided with the aggressor, Saddam Hussein. To further Iran's indigenous capabilities, the IRGC (in cooperation with the Basij) provides, as Arab-Baygi indicates, financial incentives to students pursuing degrees in science and technology fields such as engineering, physics, and medicine. |
| Posted by:Besoeker |
| #2 ION WMF > RUSSIA'S NEW S-400 ADMS, AD TROOPS TO COMRPISE BULK OF CIS' UNIFIED AIR DEFENSE SYSTEM; + RETURN OF "ISKANDER" DIPLOMACY: RUSS DEFENCE MINISTER SERDYUKOV SAYS RUSSIA DESIRES TO STRENGTHEN MILITARY COOPERATION WID FINLAND. * SAME > RUSSIAN FOREIGN MINISTER LAVROV: RUSSIA UNEASY AT NATO'S NEW CHANGE IN STRATEGIC CONCEPT FROM "TERRITORIAL/REGIONAL DEFENSE" TO "GLOBAL DEFENSE". |
| Posted by: JosephMendiola 2010-02-19 23:49 |
| #1 Seems like " Comical Alli " has found a job with his former foes. |
| Posted by: Dave UK 2010-02-19 17:19 |