IRIN Velayat 95 exercise - Recap

A recap of Iran TV news media coverage of IRIN Velayet 95 initiated 25FEB2017, "spanning the Strait of Hormuz, the Sea of Oman, north of the Indian Ocean and the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait" [Source: PressTV].

IRIB News video on Velayet 95 exercise; includes file footage from previous news presentations.

Iran news feature depicting current state of IRINS Sahand (XX) Moudge-2 class guided missile frigate (FFGH), under construction.

Iran news feature containing new footage on IRINS Tonb (513) Hengam class landing ship tank (LSLH).

IRIB1 channel new feature with IRIN Commander Rear Admiral Sayyari; includes new and file footage.

IRIB News feature on IRINS Kharg (431) Kharg class replenishment ship (AORH)

Sima News (via Ruptly) feature on Velayet 95 exercise

Sima News (via Ruptly) footage for coastal launch of Dehlavieh (Kornet-E) anti-tank guided missile (ATGM).  Appears to demonstrate tactical applications in targeting potential inshore and amphibious threats.

Sima News (via Ruptly) footage of new variant Nasir anti-ship cruise missile; includes file footage from 2015 of launched missile.

Iran news presentation of claimed launch of Valfajr (“By the Dawn”) 533 mm torpedo from Ghadir class midget submarine (SSM); includes file footage from previous years.

IRGC-GF ‘Great Prophet 11' exercise, phase two and three

Iran media imagery dated 22FEB2017 depicting phase 2 and 3 of IRGC-GF "Great Prophet 11" exercise, performed in the desert region of central and northeastern Iran.

IRGC-GF mechanized force, possibly elements of 21st "Imam Reza" Armored Brigade

IRGC-GF T-72 type main battle tank with BMP-2 type infantry fighting vehicle

Foreground: IRGC-GF Boragh (Type 86 / BMP-1) armored personnel carrier

Left: Boragh variant equipped with Fajr-1 ("Dawn-1") multip'e rocket launcher

Right: Unidentified AFV variant equipped with RWS comprising 2A14 gun fitted with CCD camera

IRGC-GF equipped with late model Canadian BRP Can-Am Outlander type ATVs. Note Can-Am ATV on left equipped with factory track system.

IRGC-GF Can-Am Outlander type All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs)

IRGC-GF equipped with earlier model Can-AM ATVs. Note AK-103 assault rifle, part of a lot shipment recently acquired by the Russian Federation.

IRGC-GF Fajr-5C ("Dawn-5C") guided artillery rocket launcher

IRGC-GF Aviation Bell AH-1J Toufan-2 attack helicopter, serial 12.2208.

IRGC-GF Aviation Bell AH-1J Toufan-2 with IRIAA Bell AH-1J International Cobra (209)

IRGC-GF Shahed 123 ("Eye-witness 123") reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)

Foreground: IRGC-GF major with a chief warrant officer at his side

VIDEOS:

Photos:
Mahmood Hosseini at Tasnim News Agency
Asghar Khamseh at Mehr News Agency
Armin Karami at Fars News Agency
Moshen Ranginkaman at Defa Press
Islamic Republic News Agency

IRGC-GF ‘Great Prophet 11' exercise, phase one - UPDATED

Imagery dated 20FEB2017 depicting phase one of IRGC-GF Payambar-e-A’azam 11 ("Great Prophet 11") exercise held at Dasht-e Kavir, Iran.

IRGC-GF Fajr-5C (“Dawn-5C”) 333 mm guided surface-to-surface artillery rockets 

IRGC-GF Fajr-5 ("Dawn-5") 333 mm multiple rocket launcher

Iran media implied usage of the newly publicized Fajr-5C (“Dawn-5C”) 333 mm guided surface-to-surface artillery rocket system (GARS). However none were shown in operation so far, during the exercise.

IRGC-GF Fajr-5 multiple rocket launcher battery in operation during Great Prophet 11 exercise at at Dasht-e Kavir.

IRGC-GF Fajr-5 crew members using two-way portable radio device and laptop computer

IRGC-GF Fajr-5 crew member operating military theodolite / artillery director. Note Russian-style peaked cap

IRGC-GF Naze'at-10H “Mushak” artillery rocket

IRGC-GF Naze'at-10H “Mushak” artillery rocket, in firing position

IRGC-GF Commander Brigadier General Mohammad Pakpour shakes hands with Saberin Takavar Battalion colonel.

PressTV video still of launched Shahab ("Meteor") tactical SRBM. (This may or may not have been file footage.)

VIDEO:

Iran’s Mahan Air operating as commercial aircraft provider to Syria

While Iran Air has recently been making headlines with new aircraft purchases and a hand full of deliveries, Mahan Air has been acquiring commercial aircraft on behalf of Iran with which to provide Syria. These include a number of Airbus aircraft, including an Airbus A300 and what appears to be three Airbus A343. (Aviation writer Babak Taghvaee lists an additional A310 previously delivered from Iran to Syria but apparently not operational.)

Below are photos of known identified aircraft with comments:

Aircraft: Airbus A300B4-605R

Reg: EP-MNM (MSN: 773)

Photo Date: 03AUG2016

Location: Mehrabad International Airport, Tehran

Photographer: Hassan Fereydoun

Comment: This Mahan Air aircraft was delivered to SyrianAir on 13AUG2016 and is currently operated by the former through a wet lease agreement. Photo above depicts aircraft with Mahan Air livery removed not long before delivery to current operator. Interesting that many of SyrianAir current flights with this aircraft service routes from Baghdad and Najaf, Iraq.

Aircraft: Airbus A340-313

Reg: UP-A4001 / YK-AZA (MSN: 381)

Photo Date: JAN2017

Location: Mehrabad International Airport, Tehran

Photographer: ---

Comment: Aircraft flown 10FEB2017 from Tehran (THR) to Damascus (DAM). Registration used for flight was TT-WAG. New registration YK-AZA. Unlike A300 above, this aircraft is not ex-Mahan and not a wet lease; said being indirectly granted to Syria through Mahan Air at behest of Iran.

Aircraft: Airbus A340-313

Reg: UP-A4003 (MSN: 0292)

Photo Date: 30JAN2017

Location: Athens International Airport

Photographer: Alex Filippopoulos

Comment: Stored eight years in Athens, this aircraft has been slated for service with Bek Air of Kazakhstan. However 15FEB2017 flight from ATH to THR suggests this is another aircraft indirectly granted to Syria through Mahan Air at behest of Iran.

Aircraft: Airbus A340-313

Reg: UP-A4002, shown previously as SX-DFC (MSN: 0280)

Photo Date: 29DEC2007

Location: Franz Josef Strauss International Airport

Photographer: Björn Düwel

Comment: 14FEB2017 flight from ATH to THR suggests this is another aircraft indirectly granted to Syria through Mahan Air at behest of Iran.

Additional comments:
- Mahan Air is subject to U.S. sanctions, while SyrianAir is subject to both U.S. and EU sanctions.
- Before this recent intervention by Iran, SyrianAir may havebeen reduced to operating a single commercial airliner.
- This is not the first time Iran has granted aircraft to a regional ally. Previously, an ex-Mahan Air Airbus A300 aircraft was provided to the Republic of Iraq Government, replete with Iranian aircrew. Interesting, this aircraft continues to be listed in service with the Iraqi government. Photo and details provided below:

Aircraft: Airbus A300B4-203

Reg: YI-APX (MSN: 239)

Photo Date: 18Mar2011

Location: Baghdad International Airport

Photographer: Pete Volek

Comment: This ex-Mahan Air aircraft presented as a gift from Iran to the Iraqi government on 21JUL2007.

Iran-supported Iraqi PMF repel ISIL counterattack near Tal Afar

Iran-supported Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) reportedly repelled a violent counterattack against its positions held near Tal Afar.

According to The Washington Post:

[ISIL] launched a significant counterattack near the town of Tal Afar, west of Mosul, on Sunday night.

[ISIL] detonated some 17 car bombs, targeting a position held by Iraq’s government-sanctioned mostly Shiite militia forces known as the Popular Mobilization Forces near Tal Afar, said Jaafar al-Hussaini, a spokesman for one of the militias.

In all, the attack lasted nine hours and killed four militiamen and 48 IS fighters before it was repelled al-Hussaini said.

Comment: Cited spokesman Jaafar al-Hussaini is a member of Iran-supported Kata’ib Hezbollah (KH).

Iran-supported PMF appear to be receiving air support from Iraqi Army Air Command.

Iran-supported PMF are applying pressure towards ISIL defenses in the direction of or about Tal Afar, while Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) position to attack the western sections of Mosul. Moreover, ISIL is being somewhat stretched in committing forces to defend Tal Afar. Any reduction of combat strength away from Mosul assists ISF in liberating the much larger provincial capital.

Meanwhile Iranian and PMF media are characterizing ISIL's action as aiming “through the attack to open a way in a bid to flee the area into Syria .” Certainly, ISIL's line of communication towards Syria  along Iraqi Road 47 is blocked by relatively strong elements of Iran-supported PMF.

Map below depicts ISIL counterattack in the direction west of Tal Afar, along or about Iraqi Road 47. [source: ABNA]

Map below depicts Iran-supported Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces as they were positioned three weeks ago. [source: ISW]

Technical commentary on a captured Iranian UAV

Technical commentary on a Ghods Ababil-3 ("Swallow-3") UAV captured “near Baiji” by ISIL, from imagery recently posted on social media:

- Aircraft serial “3-2-R 192” appears largely intact, suggesting a technical fault brought down the aircraft for ISIL to capture.
- The aircraft has been stored within an enclosed structure and ISIL appears to have initiated an informal process of selective dismantling.

- Interesting adaptations apparent to the UAV powerplant. Iranians opted for plain-surfaced cylinder heads; more robust than finned type and cheaper to manufacture.
- Visually, number two cylinder appears to have suffered broken cooling fins; likely from being maintained in the field or in handling after capture.
- There appears to be a sealing problem at the header/exhaust port. Issue may be related to a manufacture or service fault. [Suggested solutions withheld.]
- Wiring harness appears locally manufactured. Visible color coding appears limited to BLK and WHT.
- Interesting to know if this powerplant was manufactured in Iran (using Limbach original source CNC machine G-code files for machining, see HERE) or if a supplier in China is involved.

- Rear access panel ajar may expose aircraft's fuel pump unit.
- Fractured starboard boom reveals composite material construction.

- Forward top fuselage assembly removed, revealing Vertical Gyroscope and “Power Box.”
- Note the hastily cut mounting section.
- Ordinary crimp connectors used at Vertical Gyroscope.

Additional: A very economical approach towards UAV manufacture. Iranian UAVs have now seen service in a number of regional conflicts. As an aerial reconnaissance platform, their low unit cost  would seem to somewhat offset determined levels of attrition due to factors related to combat or mechanical reliability.

Iraqi PMU parade new Iranian equipment at Najaf

Imagery captured from video depicting Iraqi PMF parade in Najaf. Motorized unit is outfitted with brand new Iran-suppplied equipment. Video in HD uploaded 04FEB2017, embedded below.

Iran-supplied Safir ("Ambassador") 4x4 tactical vehicles equipped with M40 type recoilless gun

Iran-supplied Safir ("Ambassador") 4x4 tactical vehicles equipped with SPG-9 Kopye (Spear) 73 mm recoilless gun

Iran-supplied Safir ("Ambassador") 4x4 tactical vehicles

Thirteen new Iran-supplied Safir tactical vehicles observed paraded by PMU at Najaf

Iran-supplied Kaviran technicals equipped with Toophan ("Typhoon") ATGM (BGM-71 TOW)

Iran-supplied Kaviran technicals equipped with Dehlavieh (Kornet-E) ATGM

Badr member observed in front of blue Karivan technical

A total of 9 new model Karivan 3/4 ton trucks observed paraded at Najaf. Vehicles bear side badges: "3200 Diesel, Intercooler..."

Detail of Iran-supplied M40 type recoilless gun

Detail of Iran-supplied Toophan ("Typhoon") ATGM (BGM-71 TOW)

Detail of Iran-supplied Dehlavieh (Kornet-E) ATGM

Detail of Iran-supplied BDUs, vests, helmets and boonie hat. Driver may bear Badr patch. Note simple slip-on cushion/covers used for seats on the Safir tactical vehicle.

Flag observed on parading PMU vehicles. Note repeated lines of Kufic script at the flags horizontal edges, resembling a design feature of Iran's national flag.

VIDEO:

Iran’s National Police receive locally assembled Kia Cerato vehicles

Iran media on 08FEB2017 publicized 200 new Saipa (Kia) Cerato sedans being received into service with the Law Enforcement Force of Islamic Republic of Iran (Iranian acronym: NAJA).

Cerato vehicles are assembled in Iran by Saipa under agreement with South Korean carmaker Kia Motors. Known as Kia Forte in the United States, these vehicles assembled in Iran are of the previous second generation series, resembling model year 2011.

NAJA municipal law enforcement operate white/green vehicles 

NAJA highway patrol operate white/blue vehicles

Inspecting the new NAJA law enforcement vehicles:

Center: NAJA Commander Brig. Gen. Hossein Ashtari

Right: Tehran PD Chief Brig. Gen. Hossein Sajedinia

NAJA Special Operation corporal detailed to induction process for new vehicles

For many years NAJA has operated Mercedes-Benz internal designation W211 and W203 vehicles. They provided excellent service life and reliability. Not so, the Iran Khodro Samand.

Worldwide, Kia vehicles serve in a number of police departments. Depending on production quality, they should be expected to offer satisfactory service as replacements to the aged fleets currently in NAJA service.

Kia Motors resuming business in Iran last year has been made possible largely as a result of JCPOA.

Photos: Efran Kouchari at Tasnim News Agency