Iran successfully tests home-made air defense system

[News_Editor]

Iran successfully tests home-made air defense system

2011-06-13 22:14:38 GMT+7 (ICT)

TEHRAN (BNO NEWS) -- Iran on Monday successfully tested a new home-made air defense system, Mersad, and supplied to the Islamic nation's air defense unit, the Fars news agency reported.

Commander of Khatam-ol-Anbia Air Base, General Farzad Esmayeeli, also announced that the tests including Shahin missiles fired by Mersad systems. Esmayeeli added that Iran's radar network was optimized as well.

The ground-to-air Shahin missile was designed to hit enemy jet fighters and helicopters at supersonic speed. The Mersad air defense system is equipped with sophisticated radar signal processing technology, an advanced launcher, and electronic targeting and guidance systems.

Mersad was completely designed by Iranian experts and technicians to promote the country's combat power. It is capable of tracing and targeting any enemy aircrafts at 70 to 150 kilometers (43.5-93.2 miles) high.

In April, Iran tested test-fired two mid-range Hawk missiles (Shahin) capable of tracing and targeting aircraft at low and medium altitudes to defend Iran's sensitive nuclear facilities.

In January, Iran unveiled a new air defense plan, designed by the Air Defense Base. Officials said the Iranian Army would produce the tools, weapons and equipment that will be required to implement the plan during the five-year period.

Iran launched its arms development program during the 1980-88 armed conflict with Iraq. Since 1992, Iran has produced its own jet fighters and armored vehicles as well as radar-avoiding missiles and other high-tech weapons.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-06-13