Report: Iran inaugurates production of new air defense missile system
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Iran says it has started mass producing a new sophisticated air defense missile system capable of engaging low-altitude aircraft.
The Monday report by state TV quotes Defense Minister Gen. Ahmad Vahidi as saying the new system, dubbed Herz-9 or Talisman-9 in Farsi, is capable of operating at night.
He said the system was mobile and could automatically identify and target flying objects at "low altitude."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The TV showed the system, involving double missiles mounted on a truck.
From time to time Iran announces military achievements that cannot be independently verified.
The country, facing a Western military embargo, is pursuing a program for military self-sufficiency, producing weapons ranging from light submarines and jet fighters to torpedoes and missiles.