The footage of the drill showed a missile striking a target that looked similar to THAAD. Credit: Ralph Scott / Missile Defense Agency / US Department of Defense / US Army.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched underground ballistic missiles targeting a fake US aircraft carrier in the Strait of Hormuz, as part of a drill.

The two missiles were launched on 29 July from what seemed to be central Iran’s desert plateau. However, the precise geographic location has not been disclosed.

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The exercise comes amid heightened tensions between Iran and the US over the tattered nuclear deal, reported Associated Press.

IRGC Aerospace Division commander General Amir Ali Hajizadeh told state TV: “We have carried out the launch of ballistic missiles from the depths of the earth for the first time.

“That means without utilising conventional launchpads, the buried missiles suddenly rip out of the earth and hit their targets precisely.”

IRGC did not disclose details of the missiles launched either. However, the footage indicated the debris, post the blast, flying up into the air.

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The footage of the drill, called Great Prophet 14, showed a missile striking a target that looked similar to the US missile defence system Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD).

The dummy aircraft carrier resembling the US Nimitz-class carrier was towed to the Strait of Hormuz by a tugboat.

Missile expert Melissa Hanham was quoted by Associated Press as saying that that the launch is intended to demonstrate the strength of the country’s missile programme.

This was the first time that the Guard has carried out this kind of exercise.

The launch was carried out six months after the Guard shot down a Ukrainian aircraft, killing all 176 people on board.