Iran tests optimized Hawk air defense missiles

Iran tests optimized Hawk air defense missiles

2011-01-20 08:44:18 GMT+7 (ICT)

TEHRAN, IRAN (BNO NEWS) -- Iran on Wednesday announced that it successfully tested an optimized version of the Hawk air defense missiles, the Fars news agency reported.

Colonel Abolfazl Farmahini informed that the new version of the hawk defense missiles was designed by Iranian experts. The missiles were successfully test-fired at the Khondab nuclear facility near the Arak city.

Farmahini, the Lieutenant Commander of Khatam ol-Anbia Air Defense Base for Operations, added that the test was designed to assess the readiness of the defense systems.

The Iranian government deployed a defense missile system in the Arak region in order to safeguard the Iran's nuclear facilities. The Khatam ol-Anbia Air Defense Base regularly conducts tests to enhance Iran's defensive capabilities.

"The test was aimed at reviewing the efficiency of these air defense systems, including missiles and radars, and enhancing the skills and knowledge of the personnel in technical and operational units," Farmahini said.

In recent times, Iran has successfully tested different anti-aircraft defense systems such as the anti-cruise Tor-M1 and the S-200 anti-aircraft missile system. Tor-M1 is a short range system while the S-200 has a long range.

Last week, the Iranian Air Force announced that it is working to develop a new generation of smart bombs to improve its arsenal, the third generation of Qassed smart bombs.

Iran is increasing its defense systems in order to secure its borders from a possible intervention due to the international conflicts that have caused its controversial nuclear program.

The Islamic country claims that it has always pursued peaceful means and said its nuclear program is a civilian path to provide power to Iran's growing population but it is currently under a fourth round of sanctions backed by the U.S. and the UN Security Council.

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