Iran launches massive military drillsNovember 12, 2012 - 12:39 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - 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. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Government reveals details from Pashinyan’s meeting in border village Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has met with a group of residents of a border village in Armenia’s northern Tavush province Narek Manasyan wins European Boxing Championships silver for Armenia Armenia’s Narek Manasyan (92kg) won Armenia’s second silver medal at the European Boxing Championships 2024 on April 28. Blinken urges Azerbaijan to continue negotiations with Armenia Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has urged Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to continue negotiations with Armenia. Pashinyan, Blinken talk Armenia-U.S. ties over the phone Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on April 28, Pashinyan’s office reports. |