Cordesman/Wilner, Iran & The Gulf Military Balance Rev 3
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secure and impenetrable communications and then destroyed the hypothetical enemy.” -General Hamid Sarkheili, spokesman of Shohaday-e Vehdar war games, January 8, 2012.30
"The Zolfaqar vessel is considered as a new model of the vessels of the same class which is capable of conducting operations in different marine conditions thanks to its sea-to-sea missiles and proper speed. The sea-to-sea cruise missile with high destructive capability and targeting power has immensely increased the vessel's power." -Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi , Iranian Defense Minister, January 2, 2012. http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.php?nn=9007279956
"Underwater is a good area (of activity) that is used by our forces but in an asymmetric and small-scale form, meaning that we are not seeking to build large and giant submarines since they are vulnerable. These new high-speed small-sized equipments [sic] (vessels) will have an underwater function similar to the performance of small speedboats in seas, an ability that has worried the enemy. Accordingly, we must use the same asymmetric approaches in building tools and equipments and even in defining our tactics. In addition to rapid transfer of forces and detection of the enemy's surface and subsurface vessels, these submarines can identify military targets and carry special forces, while they also enjoy rapid swamp power and have radar (sonar) evading capability. The system enjoys high-precision in targeting.”
– Major General Mohammed Ali Jafari, April 24, 2011.
“We should sketch out plans in a bid to resolve problems, and our goal should be winning the upper hand in the balance of powers in asymmetric wars." – Brigadier General Ahmad Miqani, Commander of Khatam ol-Anbia Air Defense Base, July 6, 2009.
"What makes up for asymmetries in wars against those countries which enjoy technological superiority and hi-tech military tools and equipment is faithful and highly motivated troops." "This faith and motivation can resist against the enemies' superior equipment and make up for a given country's technological lacks and inferiorities. Therefore, Baseej, as a faithful and motivated force, plays a decisive, fundamental and pivotal role in asymmetric battles." – Major General Mohammed Ali Jafari, Commander of the IRGC, December 10, 2007.
"We can use all the available military equipment and tools in any (possible) asymmetric war through creativity, initiative and employing new methods. We should redefine methods for utilizing weapons in accordance with the type of the combat.” General Mohammad Pakpour, Commander of the IRGC Ground Force, July 16, 2009.
– Brigadier
“The new equipment (submarines) are smaller and faster under water and operate similar to our small speedboats, which terrify our enemies on the surface. “We are trying to increase our operational range and reach enemy vessels there [in the Indian Ocean].” – Major General Mohammed Ali Jafari, Commander of the IRGC, April 25, 2011.
“All divisions of the Islamic Republic’s military pay close attention to events in neighboring states and incorporate these into their asymmetric warfare training. For example, if we train pilots in aerial combat, we actively link those lessons with asymmetric warfare.” – Brigadier General Ataollah Salehi, commanderin-chief of the Iranian army, January 12, 2011.
“The Kaviran meets our needs in asymmetric warfare. Its high rate of fire could enhance our ability to confront helicopters and low-level planes.” – General Ahmad-Reza Purdastan, commander of the Islamic
“IRGC Forces Exercise Asymmetric Tactics on Second Day of Drills”. FARS News Agency, January 8, 2012. Available at http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.php?nn=9010170343 30
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