Mirage F-1 aircraft made in Iran

A top Iranian military commander has said that Iran is preparing to hold a massive aerial maneuver in coming months.

Deputy Air Force Commander, Mohsen Darrehbaghi, said Thursday that the country will put to the test a new set of advanced air-to-ground weaponry and gunnery equipment.

"All Iranian aircraft and warplanes will take part in the military exercise, including the F-4, F-5, F-7 and the Sukhoi SU-24 fighter jets," said Darrehbaghi in an address to the female staff of the Iranian Air Force.

He added that the Mirage F-1 fighter jets have been "fully refurbished and upgraded" by Iranian Air Force personnel and are therefore ready for trial.

"Our Mirage fighters are fully equipped with domestic air-to-ground weaponry, including advanced machine rifles and rocket launchers, all of which will be tested during the exercise," said the Iranian commander.

He said that Iran's success in refurbishing the Mirage fighters prove more than ever that international sanctions will never stop the country from improving its military skills.

Darrebaghi went on to describe recently-issued threats by Tel Aviv officials as "most amusing."

"Israel is of no importance whatsoever," he noted.

"We have managed to rise to the challenge of those far stronger and bigger than Israel… If they dare assault us, they will be crushed by our response."

Referring to Israel's deadly commando attack on the Gaza-bound aid convoy, the Iranian commander said Israel "lacks the guts" to attack Tehran and has clearly shown that is only capable of "killing a few defenseless civilians."

On Monday, commandos acting upon direct orders from Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak stormed the aid convoy, leaving around 20 dead and more than 50 injured.

The attack and the lack of sufficient response from international organizations drew instant condemnation all over the world.