Commander of Khatam al-Anbiya Air Defense Base Brigadier General Farzad Esmaili said on Wednesday, “The Modafe'an-e Aseman-e Velayat 5 (Defenders of the leadership Skies 5) maneuver will be held in the second half of this year.”

He made the comments during a ceremony commemorating the 25th anniversary of the downing of Iran Air Flight 655 by the US navy in the Persian Gulf on July 3, 1988.

Esmaili further said that the Modafe'an-e Aseman-e Velayat 5 maneuver would be larger than the previous military exercise, which was held in eastern Iran last year.

According to the Iranian commander, “In this maneuver, the Hazem 3 drone will be unveiled. High capability in reconnaissance and aerial combat are among the features of this drone.”

In the military field, Iran sends a message of peace to all countries, while “we will give a crushing response” to any acts of aggression against Iran, Esmaili said.

Over the past few years, Iran has held several military drills to enhance the defense capabilities of its armed forces and to test modern military tactics and equipment.

The Islamic Republic has repeatedly assured other nations, especially its neighbors, that its military might poses no threat to other countries, insisting that its defense doctrine is based on deterrence.