The Iranian Army, backed by the Khatam al-Anbia Air Defense Base, has officially started a large-scale military drill in west and northwest of the country.

Deputy Commander of the Iranian Army's Ground Forces Brigadier General Kiyoumars Heidari announced the launch of the two-day military exercise, dubbed Moharram, on Monday.

Iranian Army's ground and air forces as well as Air Defense units are taking part in the maneuver.

On the first day of the drill on Monday, rapid reaction units, which have been set up to confront threats from terrorist groups, are set to take part in the operations. Armored and infantry units of the ground forces will also join the exercises.

The forces were deployed in the preparation stage on Sunday.

Different types of fighters and military transport aircraft from four air bases will also support operations involving ground forces and air defense units.

The Army’s Air Defense units will also conduct exercises, using different radar and missile systems to support the air and ground forces.

Commander of the Iranian Army’s Ground Force Brigadier General Ahmad Reza Pourdastan told reporters on Sunday that the military exercise has been planned and will be conducted in proportion to potential threats facing the Islamic Republic.

The Iranian commander emphasized that one of the objectives of military exercises of this sort is to maintain and increase the readiness of the Iranian Armed Forces.

In recent years, Iran has made major breakthroughs in its defense sector and attained self-sufficiency in the production of important military equipment and systems.

The country has also conducted major military drills to enhance the defense capabilities of its armed forces and to test modern military tactics and state-of-the-art equipment.

The Islamic Republic maintains that its military might poses no threat to other countries, stating that its defense doctrine is merely based on deterrence.