Iran Army eyes maximum air defense

Commander of Iran’s Army Major General Ataollah Salehi has announced plans for comprehensive aerial defense measures to protect the country’s airspace.

“The amount of necessary air defense [equipment] that [we] are able to produce will be materialized in the course of this five year project so that we will be able to provide a reliable air defense system for the entire country,” Salehi said on Wednesday.

“Our required air defense software is being [developed] by the defense industries, through the support of universities and the science [acquired] in the country,” ISNA quoted Salehi as saying.

The Iranian commander said that in the course of the five-year project, radar coverage in the country would be increased to 5,000 feet.

He added that Iran is self-sufficient in the short-range defense systems and said, “Medium- and long-range missile defense systems can also be acquired and the development of the Mersad system and Shahin missile will soon be completed.”

Salehi further said that the army would soon be making an announcement about the domestic production of long-range defense systems.

The Mersad (Ambush) modern medium-range system, which fires Shahin (Falcon) missiles, is capable of spotting and destroying advanced aircraft at low and high altitudes.