Iran starts production of surface-to-air missiles

press tv
Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:30:17 GMT

Iran’s Defense Minister Ahmad Vahidi
Iran has announced starting the production run for new medium-range
surface-to-air missiles with the aim of upgrading its air defense
systems.

Iran’s Defense Minister Ahmad Vahidi said the missiles have a range of
more than 40 kilometers.

Ahmad Vahidi added that the smart missiles travel at supersonic speed
before hitting their targeted enemy aircraft.

Vahidi said these technologically advanced missiles are apt in
electronic warfare, adding that the missiles break into small pieces
and act as shrapnel, upon impact.

"The mass production of air defense systems is successfully underway
and these systems will [soon] be delivered [to the armed forces],"
Vahidi informed.

He noted that the new missile system will play a decisive role in
defending the country’s airspace.

Over the past few years, Iran has acquired expertise in missile
production at a rapid pace and conducts frequent drills to test-fire
its latest prototypes.