Iran Blows Up U.S. Aircraft Carrier Replica In Simulated Attack On National Television

Iran blew up a U.S. aircraft carrier replica on national state television. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard reportedly used at least one dozen speedboats to destroy the life-size replica of an American warship. The Iranian display of military might took place near the Strait of Hormuz, the entrance to the Persian Gulf, a strategically vital waterway in the region.

Great Prophet 9 was the name of the Iranian army’s U.S. aircraft carrier war games. Iran conducted the military drill near where French and United States military teams were deployed to fight ISIS. The Great Prophet 9 war games reportedly included a host of speedboats which were equipped with sophisticated communications systems, rocket launchers, surface to air missiles, large caliber torpedoes, radar, anti-ship medium range missiles, sea mines, machine guns, and cruise missiles. The Iranian military reportedly test fired its underwater missiles during the training drill – releasing the missiles at 223 M.P.H.

Iran engaged in the mock war with the United States just a few weeks before the looming deadline on a meeting of world leaders, where the fate of Iran’s nuclear program will be determined. “Live fire” war games are reportedly not uncommon in Iran. But, the blowing up of a U.S. aircraft carrier replica is believed to a first during such military training.

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“American aircraft carriers are very big ammunition depots housing a lot of missiles, rockets, torpedoes and everything else,” Iranian Revolutionary Guard Navy Chief Admiral Ali Fadavi said. The Iranian military officers also noted that a “direct hit” by a missile could generate a substantial secondary explosion, according to the Daily Mail. In January, Admiral Fadavi reportedly bragged that Iran could sink U.S. aircraft carriers if the two nations ever became embroiled in a sea battle.

U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet in Bahrain Commander Kevin Stephens said the United States military was not “concerned” about the war games in Iran, but added that the U.S. aircraft carrier attack simulation was being “monitored.”

“We’re quite confident of our naval forces’ ability to defend themselves. It seems they’ve attempted to destroy the equivalent of a Hollywood movie set,” Commander Stephens said.

The state Iranian television network showed detailed footage of the speedboats blowing up the U.S. aircraft carrier and included video of missiles being fired from the coastline. Drones were also shot down during the war with the United States scenario. Numerous sea mines were also planted and detonated.

The Iran Revolutionary Guard drill showcased its strength and ability to deter “extraterritorial powers” from attacking the nation, General Mohammad Ali Jafari said, adding that the war games sent a “message of might” to the world.

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[Image via: Twitter]