Iran Adds to its Armoury

Not only is Iran on the verge of becoming a nuclear power – and may even possess of nuclear weapons and the means to deliver them – it is also turning into a weapons manufacturer of some substance, as the following reports would indicate. Ed.


Iran said yesterday it had tested a new air defence system to counter missiles and aircraft during large-scale military exercises throughout the country, state-run television reported.

"The upgraded missiles successfully destroyed the presumed enemies' missiles in low altitude simultaneously in several points," said General Amir Amini, deputy commander of Iran's Air Force.

The television footage showed at least four surface-to-air missiles being fired from mobile launching pads. The report did not say if the missile is equipped with a guidance system.

During manoeuvres dubbed "The Blow of Zolfaghar," which began in August 19, Iran test fired short-range surface-to-surface and sub-to-surface missiles.

Iran's military test-fired a series of missiles during large-scale war games in the Persian Gulf in March and April, including a missile it claimed was not detectable by radar that can use multiple warheads to hit several targets simultaneously.

After decades of relying on foreign weapons purchases, Iran now says it is increasingly self-sufficient in its military equipment claiming it annually exports more than US$100 million worth of military equipment to more than 50 countries.
Since 1992, Iran has produced its own tanks, armoured personnel carriers, missiles and a fighter plane, the government has said. It announced in early 2005 that it had begun production of torpedoes.
http://english.people.com.cn/200609/05/eng20060905_299651.html


Iran said today that it successfully tested laser-guided bombs during recent large-scale military exercises throughout the country, the official Islamic Republic News Agency reported.

"New laser bombs have been tested during the ... manoeuvres," the agency quoted Gen. Ghader Rahimzadeh, an air force commander, as saying. The report did not elaborate on the bomb's specifications.

A laser-guided bomb is a precision-guided weapon that uses semi-active laser homing to strike a designated target with greater accuracy than a free-fall bomb. It is one of the most common and widespread weapons used by a large number of the world's air forces.

During the manoeuvres that began August 19, Iran also has tested a new air defense system and fired short-range surface-to-surface and submarine-to-surface missiles.

Since 1992, Iran has produced its own tanks, armoured personnel carriers, missiles and a fighter plane, the Government has said. It announced in early 2005 that it had begun production of torpedoes.
www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/003200609051820.htm

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Last updated 11/09/2006

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