In August, China hosted the International Army Games (IAG) 2017. The event was held in Korla of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Countries such as Angola, Russia, Iran, Venzuela and Zimbabwe took part in the Suvorov Attack games which featured obstacle course and live firing for teams using the BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles.
Iran displayed its Hoot (Whale) high-speed rocket-torpedo during an exhibition by the naval wing of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGN) on 3 October. The existence of the Hoot was first revealed in 2006 when Iran released a video of a test launch from a floating platform.
It is identical to the Russian's VA-111 Shkval (Squall) supercavitating torpedo that was developed in 1970s. There are eight jet nozzles at the rear and four stabilisation fins as for the VA-111.
Launched from a standard 533 mm torpedo tube, the Hoot creates an air pocket around itself, thereby reducing water drag. The rocket engine is then able to propel it to speeds of up to 370 km/h (200 knots). The high speed makes it a deadly weapon as it is difficult to out-manoeuvre.
Iranian Defense Minister announced that Iran has successfully tested the 'Emad' (Pillar) a ballistics missile with a range 1,700 km (1,060 miles) and a 750 kg (1,653 pound) payload. It is reported accurate to within 500 metres. The Emad is a variant of the older liquid-fuelled Shahab-3 missile, which has a similar range but is accurate only to within 2,000 meters.
