Statements of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution at Shahid Sattari Air Base

In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

The Air Force is a magnificent and beautiful entity; it is a blend of military prowess, knowledge, technology, courage, and art. For these clear reasons, the face of the Air Force of the Islamic Republic of Iran during the imposed war and the Sacred Defense has always been a brilliant and honorable visage in the eyes of the Iranian nation. The martyrs who sacrificed their lives—among the most precious of lives—in defense of the Islamic system, the Islamic Revolution, and the dear homeland are shining stars that draw the eyes and hearts towards the Air Force of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Of course, these brave and faithful men did not only show courage in the war against the enemies at a certain moment and attain martyrdom; these youths and noblemen began their efforts from the very first days of the victory of the Islamic Revolution, when the Air Force of the Islamic Republic of Iran felt that it was with the people, alongside the people, and for the people. From the moment the revolutionary and faithful Iranian nation felt that armed forces were defending them, which they could fully trust, they began their endeavors. I do not forget those hopeful faces and brave hearts, and that group of young men in the Air Force who, in Tehran and other centers where the Air Force bases were established, advanced their work with sincere and militant efforts; even without the knowledge of the revolutionary officials in the early days about the valuable assets within the armed forces. These faithful youths brought the Air Force to capabilities and efficiencies that could prepare and modernize military equipment; they employed it in defense of the people and turned the battlefield—which was being reinforced on one side by the centers of power in the world and was completely isolated on the other—into a favorable situation for the Iranian nation, that is, the oppressed and lonely front of the war.

The pride of the Air Force during the Sacred Defense and since then until today has not remained hidden from many other nations. For every nation, there are moments in history that are decisive. In these moments, some nations, with firm determination, necessary awareness, and timely and appropriate action, reach the peaks of honor and pride, and by utilizing these opportunities, they overcome difficult and weak periods. Conversely, there are nations that, in such moments, by showing weakness and failing to employ the necessary intelligence and will, irreparably lag behind the advanced and progressing nations. The Iranian nation has so far been able to create a value and respect for itself in the mindset of the global community that is unparalleled. During the periods of the Sacred Defense, economic blockade, and political and propaganda pressure, the Iranian nation was able to create a comprehensive situation for itself that even its enemies acknowledge and confess that it is a great, powerful, talented, and deserving nation of dignity and pride.

I say to you, dear youths, officers, and commanders of the Air Force, and to all those who feel a sense of responsibility towards the nation, country, and history: My dear ones! Be vigilant; these sensitive and decisive moments do not introduce themselves beforehand; often, it is after passing through dangerous turns that a nation understands what path it has traversed. The necessity of this truth is that we must always employ intelligence, knowledge, determination, faith, and seriousness in all sectors. The armed forces reside in the heart of the nation and are defenders of the borders of independence, dignity, and honor of the nation. Everyone must fulfill their duties. Officials in various sectors each have responsibilities and must correctly recognize and act upon these responsibilities. The armed forces are among the most sensitive sectors that must accurately recognize and act upon their responsibilities. All these positive attributes—military prowess, knowledge, technology, courage, ethics, and faith—should be strengthened within you. The youths who are currently undergoing their educational courses in this university and those who, after acquiring the necessary reserves from this university, are dispatched to various units and undertake missions; as well as the officials and managers who guide this beautiful and attractive process, all must remember the importance of the current moment and the necessity of maintaining readiness and increasing it, and the required preparedness and determination to employ them at the appropriate time. This readiness is not only about attention to equipment; equipment is part of the necessities. More important than equipment is the human force that employs this equipment appropriately; maintains, repairs, and improves it, and based on it, creates superior and higher products.

Utilize the opportunity of youth, leisure, and responsibility, and as befits the armed forces and the Air Force, shine in the eyes and hearts of the Iranian nation.

Peace be upon the dear martyrs of this force and the Islamic Republic Army, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and the popular Basij forces, and peace be upon all the self-sacrificing members of the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings.