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Iran to Unveil New Underground Complexes for Securing Missiles and Drones Against Israeli Threats.
According to an announcement by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) spokesperson on January 6, 2025, the IRGC is set to unveil new underground facilities housing advanced missiles and drones as part of extensive military exercises. This development is part of the large-scale "Payambar-e Azam 19" (The Great Prophet 19) drills, alongside other exercises planned for the coming days.
These underground facilities ensure Iran's ability to maintain a retaliatory capacity in the event of an attack while complicating adversaries' surveillance and neutralization efforts (Picture source: Fars)
General Ali Mohammad Naeini shared details on the ongoing operations and upcoming military displays during a press briefing. He revealed that the IRGC Aerospace Force will introduce facilities referred to as "missile and drone cities." These include an underground missile storage site and another facility for naval units, both located in southern Iran. These advancements highlight Iran's growing strategic capabilities.
Iran has developed a sophisticated arsenal of missiles and drones, enhancing its regional military presence. Key missile systems include the Fath-360, a short-range ballistic missile with a range of approximately 120 kilometers, and the Dezful, a medium-range ballistic missile unveiled in 2019, with a range exceeding 1,000 kilometers. Among its drones, Iran has introduced the Shahed-136B, an upgraded version of the kamikaze Shahed-136, and the Karrar, a jet-powered drone capable of long-range bombing missions.
To protect and conceal these assets, Iran has constructed underground facilities often described as "missile and drone cities." These structures, buried at depths of up to 500 meters, house mobile launchers and ammunition stockpiles, providing protection from airstrikes and enabling rapid deployment. The first public disclosure of such bases occurred in 2015, showcasing Iran's military preparedness.
These underground facilities ensure Iran's ability to maintain a retaliatory capacity in the event of an attack while complicating adversaries' surveillance and neutralization efforts. This approach underscores Iran's strategy to safeguard and optimize its military assets amid potential threats, leveraging domestically developed systems for production and protection.
General Naeini also announced the unveiling of a new generation of drones described as "unique," marking a significant advancement in Iran's aerial capabilities. On the naval front, a military exercise in the Persian Gulf will take place from January 18 to 23, involving approximately 300 combat vessels. Another operation on January 11 will focus on smart traffic control in the Strait of Hormuz. Additionally, a large naval parade featuring nearly 2,000 military and civilian vessels is scheduled for January 27, during which two warships, named after martyrs Bahman Baqeri and Rais Ali Delvari, will join the IRGC fleet.
In another show of force, the IRGC will conduct a military maneuver involving 110,000 Basij forces in Tehran on January 10. This highlights the Islamic Republic's strategic and operational readiness for large-scale conflicts. According to General Naeini, Iran is prepared to confront complex battles of any magnitude, relying on its indigenous power and popular support.
The spokesperson also discussed recent "True Promise I and II" operations against Israel, describing them as partial demonstrations of Iran's military potential. Emphasizing vulnerabilities in occupied territories, he asserted that Iran is capable of executing significantly larger and more precise operations. He noted that Iran's weapons development continues to advance steadily in both quantity and design, solidifying its strategic position in the region.
Finally, General Naeini reaffirmed the alignment among Iranian authorities regarding the "True Promise III" operation against Israel, stating that there are no obstacles to further actions when deemed necessary.
These announcements reflect a multidimensional defense strategy to strengthen Iran's military, technological, and strategic standing while sending clear messages to its adversaries. The unveiling of these underground complexes comes in the context of escalating tensions, particularly after several Israeli airstrikes reportedly targeted Iranian military and strategic sites in recent months. These strikes have highlighted vulnerabilities in the exposure of Iran's missile and drone infrastructure, reinforcing the need for fortified and concealed facilities. By securing its arsenal in these underground complexes, Iran seeks to mitigate the risks posed by Israeli operations, ensuring both the protection and operational readiness of its strategic assets in an increasingly volatile regional environment.