Iran test-fires latest indigenous air-to-air missile

Iran’s Deputy Defense Minister Brigadier General Mehdi Farahi says the country’s latest indigenous air-to-air missile, Fakour, has been successfully tested by Iranian forces.

Farahi, who is also the director of the Defense Ministry’s Aerospace Organization, said on Sunday that the missile is launched from F14 fighter jets.

“Qader (Capable) and Nasr (Victor) air-launched cruise missiles will also be tested in the coming days,” the Iranian commander added.

Over the past years, Iran has made important breakthroughs in its defense sector and attained self-sufficiency in producing important military equipment and systems.

On January 1, Iranian forces tested the indigenously Nour (Light) surface-to-surface missile during the Velayat 91 naval maneuvers.

Iran’s Navy launched the six-day naval drills on December 28 in order to display the country’s capabilities in defending its maritime borders.

The latest version of the indigenous surface-to-air missile Ra’d (Thunder) was also test-fired on December 31, 2012.

In November 2012, Iranian forces tested the indigenous mid-altitude missile system Hog, and the indigenous missile systems of Ya Zahra 3, Safat and Qader.

The Islamic Republic has repeatedly assured other nations, especially its neighbors, that its military might poses no threat to other countries, insisting that its defense doctrine is based on deterrence.