Iran tests its new air defense system

[News_Editor]

Iran tests its new air defense system

2010-11-16 20:22:03 GMT+7 (ICT)

TEHRAN (BNO NEWS) -- Iran on Tuesday launched a massive exercise aimed at examining its air defense system, state media reported, to prepare against any possible attacks "on public or nuclear sites."

The exercise, dubbed "the Guardians of Islamic Skies", attempts to simulate an attack on the country's nuclear facilities, Fars news agency reported.

Homemade antiaircraft missiles systems would be tested during the five-day maneuver, as well as short, medium and long-range anti-air missiles.

"Aircrafts of the enemy dubbed as 'Orange Forces' were identified and intercepted by our radar systems and then command of confrontation operation against the enemy was issued," a military spokesman told reporters.

According to Fars news, the drills are aimed at testing anti-air missile systems and planes produced by the country.

Iran's defense minister General Ahmad Vahidi recently said that Tehran plans to produce long-range air defense missiles without foreign aid. "The production of long-range air defense system in Iran is already on the agenda of the defense ministry," he said in August.

Russia recently refused to deliver the S-300 missile system to Tehran after the U.N. Security Council approved new sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program.

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