On the 16th, army spokesman Akraminia said Iran has deployed new weaponry and that its defensive capability now exceeds levels seen in prior US–Israel–Iran confrontations. He said Iran shot down several US drones in recent weeks. Under the defense ministry the army has started implementing new operational and equipment plans, has rehearsed joint innovative operations that significantly expanded national defensive coverage versus before the conflict, and has held joint exercises with the IRGC Aer

On the 16th, army spokesman Akraminia said Iran has deployed new weaponry and that its defensive capability now exceeds levels seen in prior US–Israel–Iran confrontations. He said Iran shot down several US drones in recent weeks. Under the defense ministry the army has started implementing new operational and equipment plans, has rehearsed joint innovative operations that significantly expanded national defensive coverage versus before the conflict, and has held joint exercises with the IRGC Aerospace Force to strengthen inter-force coordination.