Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution of Iran Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei appointed Brigadier General Alireza Sabahi-Fard as the new Commander of the Iranian Army’s Khatam ol-Anbiya Air Defense Base, Fars News Agency (FNA) reported.

In his decree on Tuesday, the Leader stated that the appointment was made in view of the commitment and valuable work experience of General Sabahi-Fard.

Ayatollah Khamenei urged Sabahi-Fard to further boost the air defense’s strength, identify the enemy’s objectives and moves, improve training, make the utmost use of equipment and remain vigilant through effective interaction with the other sectors of the Iranian Army and other related military and civilian apparatus.

Ayatollah Khamenei also thanked Brigadier General Farzad Esmaili, who had previously held the post, for his efforts during his tenure.

Khatam ol-Anbia Air Defense Base is a branch split from the Iranian Air Force and part of the Iranian Army. It controls all of Iran’s military land-based air defense.

Last month, General Alireza Sabahi-Fard (then Deputy Commander of Khatam ol-Anbiya Air Defense Base) said that the air defense units of the IRGC and Army have conducted a joint parade for the first time, while stressing that Iran will strongly continue to upgrade its military power.