Iran is planning to demonstrate its military prowess in the largest air show in its history on April 18, Iran’s Army Day. The Media Line reports that the show will include 140 Iranian fighter jets and representation of all Iranian army units, a senior Air Force commander said on Saturday. The show will be a symbol of the army’s “preparedness in defending the country,” he added.
An Iranian military official said on Saturday that Tehran would “surprise its enemies with a destructive response” if Iran’s skies came under attack. The announcement coincides with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s announcement that his country had completed the cycle for producing and processing nuclear fuel. Iran’s first nuclear-fuel manufacturing plant was inaugurated this week in Isfahan.