Iran successfully tests home-made missile defense system
By Sara Rajabova
An Iranian military official said the country has successfully test-fired indigenously designed and manufactured Talaash 3 (endeavor) missile defense system.
Commander of Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Air Defense Base Brigadier General Farzad Esmaili announced on August 28 that Talaash 3, which has a range of more than 200 kilometers, had successfully been put to test, Press TV reported.
He informed that Talaash 3 (endeavor) missile defense system would be officially unveiled on September 22.
Esmaili also added that Iran's air defense range will be expanded from 3,600 spots to 5,000 in the near future.
On August 24, Iranian Armed Forces unveiled two marine cruise missiles, Ghadir and Nasr-e Basir, as well as two unmanned aerial vehicles, Karrar-4 and Mohajer-4.
During a ceremony attended by Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Hossein Dehqan on August 21, Iran also launched production lines for energy density batteries used in the electronic systems of its sea-based, ground-based and air-based missiles.
Iranian media reported that the production lines will enhance the range and accuracy of the country's missile systems.
Also, Iran's military officialsrecently mentioned that the country's army is planning to hold military exercises of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) for the first time in the new future.
Earlier, another military official said the UAV military drills will take place in the sky of the central Iranian Qom or Esfahan provinces.
The Iranian media outlets say that the country has achieved great progress in the field of UAV manufacturing. Iran unveiled its first domestically manufactured long-range combat drone, the Karrar (Striker), on August 23, 2010. Since then the country has manufactured a variety of other high-tech surveillance and combat unmanned aerial vehicles. The country showcased its largest yet home-made UAV, titled 'Fotros' last November.
The first Iranian medium-altitude long-endurance UAV, the Shahed-129 was unveiled in September 2012, which is capable of carrying out combat and reconnaissance missions for 24 hours.
Iran started mass production of the "Yasir" UAV in September 2013. The UAV is equipped with light powerful modern cameras, and can precisely control the target. The Yasir UAV can be used for rescue, military operations and for controlling traffic.
In recent years, Iran has made major breakthroughs in its defense sector and attained self-sufficiency in producing important military equipment and systems.
Iran has also conducted several military drills to enhance the defense capabilities of its armed forces and to test modern military tactics and equipment.
Since 1992, Iran has manufactured its own tanks, armored personnel carriers, missiles, radars, boats, submarines and fighter planes. Tehran has frequently announced that its military might poses no threat to other countries, stating that its defense doctrine is based on deterrence.