Iran unveils new air defense plan

Iran unveils new air defense plan

2011-01-27 05:00:58 GMT+7 (ICT)

TEHRAN, IRAN (BNO NEWS) -- Iran on Wednesday unveiled that it is ready to carry out a comprehensive air defense plan to protect its entire airspace, the Fars news agency reported.

Iranian Army Commander Gen. Ataollah Salehi said that the plan was designed by the Air Defense Base and will last five years. The program will begin once it is approved by the Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei.

Salehi added that the Iranian Army will also produce the tools, weapons and equipment that will be required to implement the air defense plan during the five-year period. Last year, Iran restructured its armed forces.

As a result the Iranian army was divided 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 each division.

"Formation of an independent air defense unit is aimed at boosting the combat capability and expanding the air defense combat capability of the country," said Air Defense Commander Ahmad Miqani.

In November 2010, the Iranian capital Tehran was equipped with an air defense system against advanced cruise missiles after a series of successful tests. The system has the capability to identify, target and intercept all modern types of aircraft and missiles.

Iranian Defense Minister Ahmad Vahidi unveiled the first home-made mid-range missile defense system named 'Mersad' in April 2010. The Mersad defense system is said to have superior and more capabilities than others.

Mersad is resistant to electronic warfare and can be used as part of a network of radar and air defense systems. Vahidi added that Iran plans to produce long-range air defense missiles without foreign aid.

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.

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