Updated

Iran's state TV is saying it has inaugurated a powerful new long-range radar system capable of detecting small drone aircraft.

Gen. Farzad Esmaili, head of Iran's air defense headquarters, told the station that the system is named Arash, after a mythical Iranian hero. He said the radar will work on all UHF, VHF and HF frequencies and will improve Tehran's ability to engage in electronic warfare.

Iran frequently announces breakthroughs in military technology that are impossible to independently verify.

The Islamic Republic launched an arms development program during its 1980-88 war with Iraq. Since 1992, it has produced its own tanks, armored personnel carriers, missiles, torpedoes, drones and fighter planes.