Memorial Ceremony for IRGC Major Generals Amir Ali Hajizadeh in 2025

Military Career

Hajizadeh’s ascent within the IRGC was marked by his expertise in missile technology, strategic planning, and leadership in developing Iran’s missile arsenal. His role as the commander of the IRGC Aerospace Forces, a branch responsible for Iran’s missile and space programs, made him a central figure in Iran’s military strategy. Under his leadership, Iran advanced its missile technology significantly, developing a range of ballistic missiles with varying ranges and payload capacities.

During the Eghtedar-e Velayat war games held on 8 March 2016, Hajizadeh issued a noteworthy statement that underscored Iran’s military doctrine: “The reason we designed our missiles with a range of 2,000 km is to be able to hit our enemies from a safe distance.” This statement reflected Iran’s strategic emphasis on deterrence and the importance of missile technology in safeguarding its sovereignty and regional influence. It also signaled Iran’s willingness to project military power beyond its borders, especially targeting adversaries such as Israel and the United States.

Throughout his tenure, Hajizadeh was known for his outspoken stance on Iran’s military ambitions. He often articulated Iran’s resolve to develop and maintain a robust missile program as a key pillar of national defense. His leadership saw the successful deployment of numerous missile systems, including the Soumar, Qadr, and Khorramshahr series, which have been extensively tested and deployed across Iran’s military infrastructure.

July 12, 2025 | 10:28 am