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The Iranian airforce is very important, and needs to go back to its former size of 100,000 personnel pre 1979, and up to date planes such as the Su-30 or the Chinese version of the Ju-11, Ju-15 and Ju-16.
Mainly interceptor planes of 700--800 planes eventually, backed by 1000 medium SAM systems and about 100-200 long range SAM's such as the S-300.
Anti aircraft guns in the age of jets are not so useful, and most modern nations do not use them extensively.
Once Iran has its own fleet of 4th or 4.5th generation jet fighters, it can then focus on 5th generation fighters either from Russia or China or try making her own ( a very expensive proposition)
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Iran Air Force launches major maneuvers
By Presstv.com
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The large-scale drills, codenamed Fada'eeyan-e Harim-e Velayat 5 (Devotees of the Velayat Sanctuary 5) began on Saturday to convey Iran’s message of security, stability, friendship and lasting peace to regional countries.
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Various military aircraft, including fighter jets, bombers, cargo planes, drones and reconnaissance aircraft, will be used in the two-day exercises.
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The Air Force will conduct reconnaissance and data transfer missions, strike air and ground targets and practice civil defense tactics.
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The operations will be carried out in three phases over an area of 400,000 square kilometers.
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The maneuvers aim to improve commanders’ skills, upgrade systems and test different defense achievements in order to demonstrate the military prowess of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s military.
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The Air Force holds annual drills to boost its capabilities to defend Iran's airspace against any possible aggression.
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Iran’s Air Force successfully wrapped up Fada’eeyan-e Harim-e Velayat 4 major war games in the country’s southern Persian Gulf waters in December 2013.
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Different types of rockets, light and heavy smart guided-bombs, domestically-made military equipment and the latest aerial combat accomplishments underwent operational tests in the drill.
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In recent years, Iran has made major breakthroughs in its defense sector and attained self-sufficiency in producing important military equipment and systems.
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The Islamic Republic has conducted several military drills to enhance the defense capabilities of its armed forces and to test modern military tactics and equipment.
