Iran deploys defense system against cruise missiles in Tehran

[News_Editor]

Iran deploys defense system against cruise missiles in Tehran

2010-11-20 01:22:28 GMT+7 (ICT)

TEHRAN, IRAN (BNO NEWS) -- Iran on Friday announced that its capital Tehran has been equipped with an air defense system against cruise missiles which was tested this week, the semi-official Fars news agency reported.

"Tehran is one the rare capitals of the world which has been equipped with a defense system against advanced cruise missiles," said Amir-Ali Hajizadeh, the Revolutionary Guards aerospace division chief.

Military analysts said that Iran’s Air Defense network has achieved many major improvements during the last few years and it has now the full capability to identify, target and intercept all modern types of aircraft and missiles to defend the country from any foreign threat.

Iran’s Air Defense Force was formed in February 2009 as part of the country’s Air Force restructure to improve defense capabilities. The restructure divided the Iranian army into four independent forces, the Ground Force, the Air Force, the Navy, and the Air Defense Force.

The restructure enabled Iran to allocate an independent budget to the task and initiate several programs in line with the development of the country's air defense capability. Last April, Iran announced that it built the first home-made mid-range missile defense system, "Mersad."

The Mersad defense system has superior and more capabilities than others in foreign countries, such as the Hag mid-range defense system. Mersad is resistant to electronic warfare and can be used as part of a network of radar and air defense systems.

The successful development of the Mersad defense system encouraged Iran to produce its own military tools, weapons and equipment instead of importing military products from abroad. The Iranian Defense Minister said that the country plans to produce long-range air defense missiles without foreign aid.

"We build whatever we want inside the country and the production of long-range air defense system in Iran is already on the agenda of the defense ministry," Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi said in August.

Iran decided to manufacture its own weaponry after the long delayed implementation of the contract signed with Russia on the delivery of sophisticated anti-craft S-300 missile system to Tehran.

Russia delayed the delivery after President Dmitry Medvedev prohibit the sale of the S-300 missile systems due to restrictions under the sanctions imposed by the United Nations Security Council on Iran due to its nuclear program.

Iranian military officials said that the country is able to replace the Russian anti-craft missiles with other defense systems. Iran claims top have replacements that met their operational requirements through innovative techniques and different designs.

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