Syrian Air Airbus 340-313X, reg. YK-AZA (cn 381) as it now appears in freshly applied livery. Photo acquired 12APR2017 at Dubai International Airport (DBX).
This aircraft was ferried on 10FEB2017 from Tehran Mehrabad International Airport (THR) to Damascus International Airport (DAM), suggesting Iranian acquisition assistance for regional ally Syrian Arab Republic.
YK-AZA apparently operated 12APR2017 as Flight SYR514 from DAM to DBX. Aircraft returned to DAM, same-day.
Syrian Air officials stand before newly operational A340. Note pan-Arab emblem applied to nose of aircraft; ironic, given this aircraft may have been acquired by way of Iranian assistance.
Interior detail of Syrian Air Airbus 340-313X, reg. YK-AZA (cn 381)
Pairs of Islamic Republic of Iran Navy (IRIN) warships have been dispatched to Oman and Kazakhstan. In reference to the naval force headed to Oman, according to PressTV newswire dated 08APR2017:
The naval forces of the Islamic Republic and Oman will hold five-day joint rescue and relief drills in Iran’s southern waters and the northern areas of the Indian Ocean, an Iranian commander says.
An Iranian naval flotilla, comprising Sabalan destroyer, Lavan logistic warship and helicopter carrier, SH3D helicopter and Falakhan missile-equipped warships, left Iran for Oman on Saturday to take part in the drills, the commander of Iran's First Naval Zone, Rear Admiral Hossein Azad, said.
He added that it was imperative to improve security in Iran’s southern waters and the Indian Ocean given their geographical significance in maritime economy and busy traffic of ships and oil tankers.
COMMENT: Iran and Oman naval joint rescue and relief drills are a regular feature of relations between the two countries. File photos for Iran Navy vessels and aircraft provided below:
IRINS Sabalan (73) Alvand class (Vosper Mk5 type) frigate (FFG)
as vessel appeared 02JAN2013 during Velayet-91 naval exercise
IRINS Falakhon (P226) Kaman class (Combattante II type) guided missile patrol boat (PGGF)
as vessel appeared in MAY2014
IRINS Lavan (514) Hengam class tank landing ship (LSTH)
as vessel appeared 03SEP2013 after reported rebuild
IRINA Sikorsky (Agusta) SH-3D Sea King (AS-61) ASW/SAR/utility helicopter
as aircraft serial 8-2307 appeared 03SEP2013 after reported rebuild
In reference to the naval force headed to Kazakhstan, according to same PressTV newswire:
The Iranian Navy also on Saturday dispatched a flotilla to the Kazakh port city of Aktau for the first time, the commander of Iran's fleet of warships in the northern province of Gilan, Admiral Ahmadreza Baqeri, said.
The ‘Peace and Friendship’ flotilla consists of Damavand destroyer and Peykan missile-launcher destroyer and plans to stay in Kazakhstan for three days, he added
[…]
The Iranian naval personnel and commanders on board the fleet are scheduled to visit Kazakhstan’s military and historical sites and hold talks with the country’s naval officials.
COMMENT: IRIN vessels dispatched from Bandar Anzali (Fourth Naval Zone) for inaugural visit to the Kazakh Naval Force base at Aktau. File photos of Iran Navy vessels provided below:
IRINS Damavand (77) Moudge class guided missile frigate (FFGH)
as vessel appeared 10MAR2017 on visit to Makhachkala in Russia's Republic of Dagestan
IRINS Peykan (P224) Sina class fast attack-craft (PGGF)
as vessel appeared 21OCT2015 on visit to Makhachkala in Russia's Republic of Dagestan
Location of Kazakh Naval Force base at Aktau, Kazakhstan
Photos: Russia Today, Ahmad Jafari at Mehr News Agency, Michail Varlashin at astranovosti.ru
Imagery from Iran media depicting joint meeting held 04APR2017 between members of the National Security and Foreign Policy Committee of Parliament, Defense Minister Brig. Gen. Hossein Dehghan and ministry officials at the headquarters of the Defense Industries Organization (DIO) of the Ministry of Defense and Logistics (MODAFL).
Parliamentarians inspect display model of an Iranian guided artillery rocket
What appears to be an Iranian rendering of the Israeli Spike anti-tank guided missile (ATGM), possibly based on unit captured by allied LH forces in southern Lebanon.
Alaeddin Boroujerd, chairman of the Majlis National Security and Foreign Policy Committee (center) appearing to be briefed on the QW-1M type MANPADS.
The chairman being shown an Iranian MASAF assault rifle carbine, featuring an M4-pattern lower receiver fitted with HK416 details including operating rod, raised optics rail and grooved barrel nut.
Parliamentarians inspect AK-103 type assault rifle apparently fitted with AKM-type magazine
Iran Air on 25MAR2017 received its latest fleet addition: Airbus A330-243E, reg. EP-IJB (msn 1586).
Aircraft originally ordered by Avianca Brasil reg. PR-OCF; stored by Airbus Industrie since JAN2015.
This marks the 3rd Airbus passenger jet received by Iran Air following JCPOA and the agreement's stipulated resumption of new civil airliner acquisitions.
Iran Air Flight IR700 TLS-THR arrives 25MAR2017 at 17:43 hrs
Rolls Royce Trent 772B-60 with activated thrust reverser
In the distance: IRIAF Boeing 747-100 series aircraft at THR
Iran Air Goldhofer AST-series towbarless aircraft tractor pulls EP-IJB
EP-IJB passes two tired-looking Boeing 747 aircraft, including 41 year-old Iran Air Boeing 747SP-86, reg. EP-IAA (msn 20998 / 275).
Also visible is an Iran Air Douglas DC12-44 Heavy Aircraft Tractor.
EP-IJB received towed for reception at Iran Air Engineering and Maintenance facility hangar
EP-IJB guided towards Iran Air Engineering and Maintenance facility hangar
Pilot in command of Iran Air Flight IR700 waves to reception at THR
EP-IJB received inside Iran Air Engineering and Maintenance facility hangar
EP-IJB marks the third Airbus aircraft received, with ninety-seven more deliveries expected as a result of JCPOA.
Livery detail for EP-IJB. Aircraft seating configuration is C32 Y206 (same as EP-IJA)
Main landing gear and starboard engine detail of EP-IJB
Right: Older Airbus wide-body twin-engine jet airliner continues to be engaged in apparent heavy maintenance visit (HMV). Photos: Mehdi Bolourian at Fars News Agency, Asghar Khamseh at Mehr News Agency
Imagery recently uploaded depicting Iran-backed Iraqi Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba (HHN) deployed at Damascus; participating alongside Pro-Syrian Arab Republic forces in the Jobar and Abbasin district against current offensive conducted by Al-Qaeda aligned forces.
HHN small unit force equipped with accessorized AK-type assault rifles and RPG launcher fitted with what may be an Iranian PG-7-AT projectile.
Right-side arm patch imagery appears to feature likenesses of Ayatollah Khamenei and Grand Ayatollah Sistani.
Detail of patch featuring likenesses of Ayatollah Khamenei and Grand Ayatollah Sistani
Far right: Cleric associated with Iraqi Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba, holding what may be a smart phone
Non-HHN personnel, appearing to coordinate movements of Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba
Non-HHN personnel patch, featuring imagery of cross and shield
Non-standardized outfitting and equipment of Iraqi Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujab
Depicted HHN small unit deployment, transported in two late model Hilux trucks
COMMENT: Publicity serves to promote multinational aspect of allied forces aligned with Syrian Arab Republic, in the war against Al-Qaeda aligned forces and ISIL.
[H/T Amir Toumaj at Foundation for Defense of Democracies]
