Iran's New Air Defense System Shields 55,000 Feet

Defense Minister: Iran's New Air Defense System Shields 55,000 Feet TEHRAN (FNA)- Iran's new air defense system can strike targets as far as 55,000 feet, Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Mostafa Mohammad Najjar announced here on Saturday.

"This hi-tech system is able to target airplanes and other aggressive aircrafts at an altitude of 55,000 feet (about 18 kilometer)", Najjar said during the inauguration ceremony of a 100mm air defense system.

The minister underlined the home-grown technology for manufacturing the system and its ammunition, saying that it can intercept any kind of enemy fighters, helicopters and even cruise missiles.

"We have used hi-tech technology in the system including detection radars and target interceptors which are all made by our country's experts," he reiterated.

"One of the most important features of this weapon is its smart system which can track down the target and fire at it automatically, " Najjar added.

The General pointed out that the shells used in the system are equipped with a fuse which enables them to explode and terminate the target from a close distance even if they fail to hit it directly.

"In addition to these radars, the new air defense system has a central unit for flak control and central unit for information coordination which are designed and made by defense ministry specialists, " Iranian defense minister added.

Noting that the system has an important effect on Iranian defense capabilities, Najjar announced that tens of more important defense projects are due to be inaugurated during the ceremonies to mark the 30th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution (from January 31 to February 9).

Tehran launched an arms development program during the 1980-88 Iraqi imposed war on Iran, to compensate for a US weapons embargo. Since 1992, Iran has produced its own tanks, armored personnel carriers, missiles and fighter planes.

Yet, Iranian officials have always stressed that the country's military and arms programs serve defensive purposes and should not be perceived as a threat to any other country.