Brig. Gen. Hossein Dehghan appeared on IRIB Channel Two on Tuesday describing the country’s military achievements and capabilities particularly in the field of missile programs.
He referred to the delivery of new series of 'Nasr' air-launched cruise missile (ALCM) to the Islamic Republic of Iran's Air Forces manufactured by the Defense Ministry Aviation Industries Organization; “we have always sought to upgrade military equipment and Nasr missile, previously a surface-to-surface missile, went through changes in order to be launched on Phantom F4 airfighters.”
“We have also accomplished the production of Najm radar in addition to producing numerous destroyers,” he added.
The commander has also announced the production of Karrar Tank noting “as one of the most advanced tanks in the world, Karrar is 100% Iranian made and it can even be superior than T-90 in some degrees.”
Touching upon the test launch of Emad missile, Dehghan asserted “Emad missile will be mass produced while the new version with improved precision will be unveiled by the next Iranian calendar year (to begin 21 Mrch 2016).”
“Emad missile would not violate Resolution 2231 and we have never intended to use nuclear warheads,” stressed the defense minister deeming the West’s claims as a slander.
He further underlined “Emad was test-fired to show the world that we would never shut down our missile program as ordered by Iran’s President Rouhani.”
Brig. Gen. Hossein Dehghan pointed out the purchase of Russia's S-300 surface-to-air missile system commenting “the first training delegation will return to the country in the coming days and the next delegation will be deployed to Russia; we are currently investigating the transfer method while all the upgraded systems will be delivered in the first half of the 2016.”
“We would also purchase S400 systems in case of need as well as that Bavar373 long range defense system has been domestically designed using the latest world technologies and the prototype will be tested by the end of the next Iranian calendar year.”
The official further enumerated various other military achievements including unmanned aircraft drones which fit the country’s current needs equipped with anti-aircraft and anti-surface missiles, Iranian built single-seat HESA Saeqeh Jet fighter which has become operational, Iranian Kowsar 88 training jet as well as homemade Qaher-313 stealth fighter jet which are still developing.
Dehghan referred to Russia’s Fighter Su-30 stating “today we need to pay attention to Air Force and aircraft and we seek to seal a deal with the Russians upon which we will have partnership in the construction and manufacturing of the jet fighter.”
Defense minister noted the country’s subsurface capabilities confirming “we produce submarines equipped with missiles and torpedoes and Fateh submarine has been tested for several times and will hopefully be completed by next year.”
Dehghan also described Imam Khomeini Spaceport adding “almost all launches are successfully carried out in the space center while the port needs to get upgraded in order to send satellites to the Earth orbit (LEO), otherwise; we need to exploit satellites that can change orbit.”
“Our navigation systems currently fulfill all the country’s needs,” stressed the official.
Dehghan also touched upon the events in the region commenting “what happens in the region has been designed by the US and the Zionists and Americans seek to justify their return to the region after the shameful interference in Iraq and Afghanistan.”
On the Saudi Arabia’s intrusion to Syria, the commander said “Saudis are interested in entering Syria since all their plans in the region have failed.”
“Saudi Arabia cannot tolerate a Shia government to rule Iraq and will spare no effort to avoid that,” Brig. Gen. Hossein Dehghan concluded.
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