Iran can counter NATO’s radar system

Senior Iranian commander Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh says Iran’s ballistic missiles are ready to defend the country against NATO’s radar system in Turkey “if the occasion calls for.”

The ‘early warning’ radar system, which belongs to the US-led NATO military alliance, is reportedly due to become operational in Turkey by the end of the current year.

The head of the Aerospace Division of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) described these measures as “futile attempts by Americans to exert further pressure on Iran.”

Hajizadeh made the remarks on the sidelines of a major military parade on Thursday, marking the 31st anniversary of eight years of defense against Iraq’s invasion of Iran under former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein.

“If these [Iran’s] ballistic missiles were to be launched, NATO’s missile system would certainly be ineffective,” Hajizadeh said.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry says the plan is in line with NATO’s ‘New Strategic Concept’, and will boost the alliance’s “defense capacity and strengthen [Turkey’s] national defense system.”