IRGC Adviser Says Iran Can Sustain Missile Operations for Years

Brigadier General Ali Balali, an adviser to the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force, said in an interview that Iran's current missile production and launch rate would allow the country to sustain operations at the current pace even if a confrontation continued for several years. He made the remarks in an interview, according to Mehr News.

Balali said missile technology is more complex and challenging than many other methods and weapons, noting that launching a missile is commonly used as an example of a particularly difficult task. Referring to products displayed at an exhibition, he said all the equipment on display is domestically developed and manufactured. "We have made use of the knowledge available around the world and acted in a way that the barriers and sanctions imposed on the country, despite the efforts of those behind them, could not prevent the Islamic Republic of Iran from building up its power and advancing in the missile, drone and other fields," Balali said.

Balali also outlined the limitations Iran faced in its missile capabilities during Iraq's war of aggression against Iran in the 1980s, saying the country faced severe restrictions in the field at the time. "During the eight years of the Sacred Defense, we fired a total of 88 missiles," he said, noting that the weapons were extremely expensive and Iran lacked the resources to fully cover their costs. "As a result, we had no choice but to launch the missiles one at a time and in limited numbers so that we could sustain operations until the end of the war," Balali said. "Today, thanks to God, we no longer face such a problem."

The IRGC Aerospace Force commander's adviser stressed that Iran's current defense capabilities allow it to respond powerfully to attacks. "Today, in every operation, the armed forces launch as much as necessary, with power and determination, so that the enemy is disciplined and understands that the era of 'hit and run' is over," he said. He added that during the latest aggression, the enemy launched a limited number of strikes, while Iran responded several times over, Press TV reported.

Balali further said that Iranian officials also have comprehensive plans regarding the use of the country's military capabilities and weapons and act under the guidance and supervision of Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei. The report by Mehr News added that the remarks were made in an interview.