The Iranian Defense Minister, Brigadier-General Ahmad Vahidi, has declared Iran's intention to build a new generation of its own air defense system in the near future, Press TV reports.
Apart from having a longer range, the new generation of the Mersad ('Ambush') system can gain a higher altitude and hit more targets at the same time. It is fitted with sophisticated radar signal-processing technology as well as an advanced launcher, and contains exclusive electronic equipment for guidance and target acquisition.
It could also be linked to other anti-aircraft batteries, providing the ability to combat electronic warfare.
General Vahidi said earlier that Mersad features capabilities that are superior to those of the US-made Hawk missile, which Tehran purchased in the 1970s.
He announced that the production of Mersad marks a technical breakthrough in Iran's defense sector and proves that the country's armed forces have achieved high levels of self-sufficiency.
