Above: video still of IRGC-N underwater test firing of a cruise missile
The IRGC-N announced on 27FEB15 it had test-fired a "new strategic weapon" in the final day of the Great Prophet 9 exercise.
Iran media video depicted the test-firing of submarine-launched cruise missile (SLCM), or perhaps a submerged launch system intended for development towards a missile-launch capable submarine. The cruise missile appears to be equipped with a booster.
Rear Admiral Ali Fadavi, commander of IRGC-N, said the new weapon would be critical in any future naval war against the U.S.
"The new weapon will have a very decisive role in adding our naval power in confronting threats," he was quoted as stating in Sepah News.
No further details on the launch or specifications for the cruise missile type were released.
Iran media imagery from phase two of Great Prophet 9 exercise:
IRGC-GF tactical unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) equipped with PKM type 7.62mm machine gun, advanced optics and thermal camera, with claimed effective operational range of 5-7 km.
IRGC-GF battlefield surveillance and management unmanned ground vehicle
IRGC-GF ARIO-H762 Intelligent Surveillance & Remotely Controlled Weapon System positions
Detail of IRGC-GF ARIO-H762
IRGC-GF Asefah 23 mm, 3-barrel Gatling-type rotary cannon CIWS
IRGC-GF marksman in ghillie suit, armed with Steyr HS.50 type anti-material rifle
IRGC-GF rifleman equipped with updated DIO S-5.56 assault rifle
IRGC-GF SPG-9 entrenched, fortified "pop-up" position, possibly related to Iranian "multi-cellular wall" fortification system publicized during Great Prophet 9 exercise
Detail of IRGC-GF SPG-9 "pop-up" position, emerging from concealment
IRGC-GF ZU-23-2 23 mm anti- aircraft twin-barreled autocannon position, possibly related "multi-cellular wall" fortification system.
Detail of entrenched, fortified IRGC-GF ZU-23-2 "pop-up" position
Detonation of Khaybar explosive, a newly developed type publicized during Great Prophet 9 exercise
Seldom seen IRIAF McDonnell Douglas RF-4E reconnaissance aircraft of 31st TRS (possibly from phase one)
Iran media imagery of IRGC-N attacks upon mock USN Nimitz-class aircraft carrier target ship, on 25FEB15 during Great Prophet 9 exercise.
Simulated attack on mock USN Nimitz-class aircraft carrier target ship, more aptly characterized as an IRGC-N conducted, live-fire dramatization. Intent includes training, and demonstration contributing towards current naval debates over the vulnerability and speculated obsolescence of large aircraft carriers.
Mock USN Nimitz-class aircraft carrier target vessel was reportedly struck by coastal ASBMs, ALCMs fired from rotory-wing aircraft, and rockets fired from MLRS in a swarm attack by inshore patrol force craft.
Swarm of IRGC-N FB-type RIB-33 inshore patrol craft
Aftermath of staged attacks by IRGC-N missile, aviation and naval forces on mock USN Nimitz-class aircraft carrier. Target vessel appears stationary during simulation. Construction suggests intent as a rebuildable, reusable target vessel.
IRGC-N Aviation Mil Mi-171Sh, serial SN-2103 inserting IRGC-N Special Forces atop target vessel
IRGC-N Aviation Mil Mi-171Sh, serial SN-2103 simulating naval boarding atop damaged target vessel
Visible on target ship's deck are F/A-18 Hornet props
IRGC-N Special Forces employing boarding ladder from target vessel to inshore patrol craft
IRGC-N FB-type RIB-33 inshore patrol craft armed with 1 x 11 barrel 107mm MLRS
IRGC-N Ashoora class minelayer, inshore patrol craft
IRGC-N inshore patrol force participating in Great Prophet 9 naval exercise
Aerial view of IRGC-N inshore patrol force participating in Great Prophet 9 naval exercise
IRGC-N Special Forces members participating in in Great Prophet 9 naval exercise
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Photos: Hossein Zohrevand at Tasnim News Agency, and Hamed Jafarnejad at Fars News Agency
