The Iranian armed forces have been showcased during a ceremony marking Iran's yearly army day. In comments made during the parade of military power, Iran's President Ahmadinejad described the country as the mightiest in the world.

Iran's Military Power

Ahmadinejad added that Iran's military was so powerful, in fact, that no other country would dare take it on, stating that "none of the current world powers are capable of, and have the courage to, threaten the Iranian nation and its interests and security."

He drew attention to how the Iranian military's role was wholly defensive, but would become aggressive if provoked, stating: "The army, the Revolutionary Guards and the Basij will resist with force and coordination and respond strongly to the slightest aggression."

Air Force Flypast

According to local reports, the ceremony featured a mass flypast involving nearly 200 air force aircraft. On the ground, a large parade included trucks with missiles perched on top.

UN Sanctions

Officials have drawn attention to the fact that, despite sanctions imposed by the United Nations, Iran has been able to build, develop and maintain hi-tech military aircraft, as well as other sophisticated arms.

Iran's Saegheh Jet

Aircraft taking part included examples of the McDonnell-Douglas F-4 Phantom II and the Northrop F-5 - both older, US-built types. Also participating, however, were a number of locally-made Saegheh combat jets.

The Saegheh first flew in September 2006. Iran has described the type as a totally new airframe, while experts in the West consider it a derivation of the F-5.

Shahab-3 Missile

Weapons shown off during the ceremony, meanwhile, included the Shahab-3 missile - the range of which is said to extend to Israel and the very edges of Europe.

Nuclear Programme

Iran remains in dispute with Western powers regarding the state of its nuclear programme. The US and others claim that Iran's uranium enrichment is connected to nuclear weapons construction.

Iran, meanwhile, maintains that the enriched uranium is meant for civilian use.

Source - Armed Forces International's Middle East Correspondent

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