IRGC Aerospace Force unveils new underground missile city

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force has unveiled a new underground missile city and several other military achievements, IRGC spokesperson Brigadier General Hossein Mohebbi announced. The announcement follows earlier remarks by Iran’s Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Abdollahi, who emphasized that advanced missiles would surprise enemies with their battlefield impact. Mohebbi had previously indicated on November 7 that the unveiling would take place.

According to Mohebbi, the force has rapidly transferred its missile and drone production lines from the surface to underground facilities, moving beyond underground missile storage complexes to establish what he described as “missile production cities” deep beneath the ground. He outlined the IRGC Aerospace Force’s major achievements, including the development of indigenous aerospace technology that has transformed Iran from an arms importer into a producer and exporter of advanced military equipment. He cited mass production and exports of systems such as the Shahed-136 drone, which he said has been copied by several countries including the United States, as well as exports of Arman missiles, 358 drones, and the 3rd Khordad air defense system.

Mohebbi also highlighted military self-sufficiency, stating that the force relies entirely on domestic expertise and production rather than foreign weapons, imported components, or reverse-engineering captured equipment. He said the Aerospace Force has maintained the ability to deploy short- and long-range, light and heavy weaponry and continue operations despite intense enemy bombardment. During what he called the US-Israeli war of aggression, Mohebbi claimed the force intercepted and destroyed more than 260 enemy aircraft and aerial vehicles, including F-35, F-16, F-5, and F-18 fighter jets, as well as MQ-1, RQ-4, Orbiter, and Lucas drones, stressing that the figure did not include achievements of the Iranian Army.

He further stated that flexible production capabilities ensure uninterrupted manufacturing of missiles and drones under wartime conditions and heavy bombardment. Mohebbi said the force has reduced the radar cross-section of its missiles and drones, enabling them to penetrate multiple layers of enemy air defenses and accurately strike targets. He claimed that advanced systems including THAAD proved ineffective, while Patriot systems also suffered failures. He described effective deterrence as being established through retaliatory strikes against enemy military and strategic infrastructure, including artificial intelligence and data-processing facilities, which he said forced the enemy to reconsider and halt further attacks.

Mohebbi also noted close cooperation with universities, research institutions, scientific centers, and industries. He said new military capabilities, described as major surprises, would be unveiled if a third wave of confrontation with the enemy occurs, demonstrating the force’s deterrent power and surprising the world. The report by Mehr News added that the unveiling ceremony was held as part of these announcements.