Iran to build long-range air-defense

Thu Sep 22, 2011

Iran's Defense Minister Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi says the Islamic Republic will manufacture long-range air-defense systems in line with the country's plans to achieve self-sufficiency.

The design and production of long-range air-defense systems has been on the agenda of Iran's Defense Ministry, Vahidi told reporters on Thursday.

Iran is currently manufacturing low-range and mid-range air-defense systems inside the country, he said, adding that the country is self-sufficient in this area, IRNA reported.

He noted that domestically-manufactured defense systems in missile, marine and ground sectors are more powerful in comparison with previous ones.

The Iranian minister pointed to “unfounded” threats posed by enemies against the Islamic Republic and emphasized that they know they cannot counter Iran.

Today, we are witnessing the declining power of the US and Israel more than ever before but they are making baseless remarks against Iran to divert the global public opinion from the problems faced by the West and the Israeli regime, he pointed out.

Vahidi's remarks came after the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force has recently held the final day of massive three-phased aerial drills dubbed “Fadaeeyan Harim Velayat 3” (Defenders of Velayat Sanctuaries 3).

The drills were intended to simulate real-world scenarios in preparation for defending the nation against any possible foreign attacks against the country.

The United States and Israel have repeatedly threatened Tehran with the "option" of a military strike, based on the allegation that Iran's nuclear work may consist of a covert military agenda.

Iran insists that its nuclear program is entirely peaceful and within the framework of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, to which it is a signatory.

Source: PressTV.
Link: http://www.presstv.com/detail/200573.html.