Iran has started mass-producing a new medium-range anti-aircraft missile, state media reported on Sunday quoting Defence Minister Ahmad Vahidi. Vahidi said the missile named Mersad (Ambush) "can destroy modern planes in low and medium altitudes," without elaborating on its actual range.
"The system is highly dynamic, capable of combat in electronic warfare and to be linked with other radar and air defence systems," he said after the launch according to the state broadcaster.
"Its mass-production has begun and a sizeable number will be delivered to the armed forces this year," he added. Iran's missile and space programmes have sparked mounting alarm in the West along with its nuclear technology, which world powers suspect is masking a weapons drive. Iran denies it is seeking nuclear weapons but has regularly boasted of having missiles that can target arch-foe Israel.