Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei urged Monday Iran’s Air Defense Force to remain ready and vigilant to protect the country, the Army said in a statement.
Khamenei’s message was delivered by Brigadier General Mohammad Shirazi, in a telephone conversation with Brigadier General Alireza Sabahi.
“The Commander-in-Chief of Iran's Armed Forces stressed that the security of the country depends on the readiness and vigilance of the Air Defense Force, and Iranian noble nation is grateful for such tireless efforts which the air defense personnel need to honor,” Shirazi said, adding that Khamenei also conveyed his greetings to smart air defense personnel.
Meanwhile, Sabahi said that Iran's Air Defense is at the forefront of confronting the enemies.
The Brigadier General described as remarkable Iran’s progress in the field of electronic warfare, saying Iran’s defense systems have been checked in difficult, real conditions and are ready for operation.
“Today, in addition to monitoring Iran’s skies, our radar and reconnaissance systems are able to track the enemies and their activities in the region and beyond the country’s borders. These radars have been produced through cooperation and joint work among the Air Defense Force, the Defense Ministry and specialized scientific centers,” he said.
Sabahi’s comments came after Iranian investigators had blamed the misalignment of a radar system and lack of communication between the air defense operator and his commanders for the accidental downing of a Ukrainian passenger plane in January that killed 176 people aboard.
Separately, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Monday that his country’s priorities are the development of strategies relations with neighbors, particularly in the commercial and economic fields.
Rouhani said: “We must work with all our brothers in the region and neighbors of Iran with sincerity to develop the entire region. A cohesive and shared economy in the region will help ensure peace and security."