Iran Army Seeks Maximum Air Defence

Commander of the Iranian Army Major General Ataollah Salehi has announced plans for comprehensive aerial defence measures to protect the country's airspace.

"The amount of necessary air defence equipment that we are able to produce will be materialised in the course of this five-year project so that we will be able to provide a reliable air defence system for the entire country," Salehi said.

"Our required air defence software is being developed by the defence 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 5,000ft.

He added that Iran was self sufficient in short-range defence systems and said, "Medium and long-range missile defence systems can also be acquired and the development of the Mersad system and Shahin missile will soon be complete."

Salehi also said the army would soon be making an announcement about the domestic production of long-range defence 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.