Massive seven-day joint drills involving Iran’s Army and the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) kicked off in the eastern parts of the country.

The Modafe'an-e Aseman-e Velayat 4 (Defenders of the Velayat Skies 4) maneuvers were launched on Monday, Nov 12, by the order of Commander of Khatam al-Anbiya Air Defense Base Brigadier General Farzad Esmaili.

Radar air defense and missile systems as well as tapping, artillery and surveillance systems will be employed during the first stage of the drills. According to IRIB news, F-4, F-5, F-7, F-14, Mirage and Sukhoi fighter jets as well as refueling aircraft will also be enabled.

Esmaili said earlier that the exercise would be carried out in an area of more than 850,000 square kilometers.