TEHRAN – Iran’s deputy defense minister says Iran is producing a laser airdefense system and plans to increase the range and precision of its cruisemissiles.
“We have acquired laser air defense technology that can be used againstsmall aircraft and quadcopter drones,” General Qassem Taqizadeh said onSaturday.
The system has undergone testing and is now under production, he added,Press TV has reported.
The deputy defense minister also said that new mapping and digital systemswere being used to increase the range and precision of cruise missiles aspart of a project that would see its testing stages concluded in the nearfuture.
Speaking about Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities, Taqizadeh also saidIran has almost completed a project seeking to upgrade allsurface-to-surface missiles with pinpoint-striking capability.
The deputy defense minister further said Iran’s Qaher F-313 stealth fighteraircraft is undergoing continued tests.
The Qaher F-313 project was unveiled in 2013 and has since been undergoingdifferent development and testing stages.
Iran has taken great strides seeking to attain self-sufficiency inproducing essential military equipment and defense systems in the face ofdecades-long sanctions and arms embargoes on the country.[image: PressTV-Iran unveils advanced domestic missile defense system]linkThe country consequently produces a wide variety of advanced weaponssystems and equipment based on its own technological capabilities.link
‘Defense sector leads in countering sanctions’
Defense Minister General Amir Hatami said Saturday the only way toeffectively counter sanctions against Iran is to rely on increasing Iran’s“power in all essential areas, specifically in the defense sector.”
The defense minister said Iran’s defense sector has gained a leading rolein successfully overcoming sanctions on the country.
Hatami made the remarks during a special summit regarding sanctionstargeting the country’s defense sector.
The defense minister said Iran has become a regional power due to itsinfluence and resistance in the region, adding that this has not been”possible in any way other than relying on our own domestic strength anddeveloping our defense capabilities.”