TEHRAN, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Navy on Thursday kicked off a two-day missile drill codenamed "Sustainable Power 1404" in the Gulf of Oman and northern Indian Ocean, according to a statement published on the Iranian army's news website.
The drill involves surface and subsurface vessels, aerial divisions, coastal missile sites, and electronic warfare units, said the statement.
On the first day, naval forces successfully hit sea targets using various cruise missiles launched simultaneously from southern coastal sites and surface vessels, said the statement.
According to the statement, the drill featured domestically-produced missiles, including short-range Nasir, long-range Qadir, and medium-range Qader anti-ship missiles, fired from the Genaveh missile cruiser, the Sabalan destroyer and coastal defense systems.
The Navy's Bavar 5 kamikaze drone also successfully destroyed a designated sea target, it said.
Navy spokesperson Abbas Hassani said Wednesday that the drill aims to enhance combat capabilities, improve operational command and control, and create deterrence through domestic capabilities.
The drill is reportedly the first of its kind Iran holds since the end of its 12-day war with Israel.
On June 13, two days prior to the sixth round of indirect nuclear talks between Iran and the United States, Israel launched major airstrikes on several areas in Iran. Iran responded with multiple waves of missile and drone attacks on Israel. On June 22, U.S. forces bombed three Iranian nuclear facilities. In retaliation, Iran struck the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
Following the 12-day war, a ceasefire between Iran and Israel was achieved on June 24. ■
