Iran successfully test-fires new missile

Iran has successfully test-fired a surface-to-air missile near a nuclear site in the center of the country, a senior Iranian military commander says.

The upgraded mid-range Haag missile was successfully test-fired near the Khondab nuclear facilities, hitting the intended target, IRIB quoted Colonel Abolfazl Farmihani as saying on Wednesday.

“The objectives of test-firing the missile included examining the level of efficacy of military, both in terms of missile and radar capabilities and upgrading the level of skills and knowledge of logistic, operational and technical personnel,” Farmihani stated.

The military commander added that the test was part of Iran’s efforts to boost its defense capabilities and to protect sensitive places, noting that Iranian Air Force is fully prepared to defend the country’s airspace.

Farmihani further hailed the successful test and destruction of the designated target as indicative of military’s readiness in defending the country’s airspace.

In recent years Iran has made important breakthroughs in its defense sector and attained self-sufficiency in producing important military equipment and systems.

Earlier this month, the Iranian Defense Ministry delivered new naval cruise missile systems to the Navy in yet another move to boost the nation’s defense capability.

“The systems are capable of spotting and destroying different targets at sea,” said Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi at the delivery ceremony of the missile systems on January 3, taking pride in the fully domestic design and production of the systems.

The Navy has successfully test-fired a range of powerful missiles mounted with laser technology, which display high precision and have a range of 45km (28 miles) to 300km (186 miles).

Iran has repeatedly assured that its military might poses no threat to other countries, saying Tehran’s defense doctrine is based on deterrence only.