Iran starts homemade radar systems production
By Sara Rajabova
Iranian army has launched a production line for domestically manufactured radar systems in the country's southern city of Shiraz.
The production line of three radar systems was inaugurated in a ceremony attended by Iran's Deputy Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami on October 19, Press TV reported.
Hatami said the advanced phased array, 3-dimensional Hafez radar is being used in "Mersad" air defense system, noting the medium range radar system is able to discover various air targets including fighters, unmanned aerial vehicles and cruise missiles in low and medium altitude.
He said the detection of anti-radiation missiles (ARMs) is another capability of these radar systems, adding that Iran aims to equip its military with state-of-the-art electronic systems.
Last month, Iran unveiled two domestically made sophisticated radar systems dubbed Arash-2 and Kayhan.
Hatami underlined that the Hafez radar system is capable of simultaneously monitoring 100 targets within the range of 250 kilometers.
Iran developed its advanced low to mid range Mersad air defense system in 2010. It fires Shahin (Falcon) missiles which are reverse engineered, domestically upgraded versions of the American MIM-23 Hawk Surface-to-air missiles.
The Mersad air defense system uses a series of domestically produced radars and electronic devices.
Hatami further said Iran has attained self-sufficiency in manufacturing military equipment, including missiles and radar systems.
In recent years, Iran has made great achievements in defense sector and attained self-sufficiency in producing essential military equipment and systems.
The Islamic Republic also conducts several military drills to enhance the defense capabilities of its military 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.
Tehran has always announced that the country's military and arms programs serve defensive purposes and should not be perceived as a threat to any other country.