New defense min. vows to develop missile program

Brigadier General Amir Hatami made the remarks on Monday, adding that Iran’s reliance on domestic defense equipment was thanks to the anti-Iran sanctions.

Highlighting the Ministry’s agenda for focusing more on air defense, Hatami added that initial preparations have gone underway for his predicted program for establishing a strategic air defense during his four-year term.

Hatami hailed the signing of the S-300 missile defense systems during President Rouhani’s first term in office, adding "the S-300 systems have been installed on all our designated zones and are currently active in defending the country’s airspace. All sensitive and critical areas of the country are fully covered by these systems.”

Hatami described the country’s air defense capabilities to be in "good condition”, adding "the 3rd of Khordad missile shields, Mersad, Sayyad, 3-300 and other systems are actively participating in a united defense of the country’s airspace.”

About the Iranian-made Bavar-373 air defense missile system, he said "as a long-range mobile air defense system, Bavar-373 will be soon made available to the Armed Forces. The system is advancing according to plan and has had over 85 per cent progress.”

He also added that Bavar-373 is more up-to-date than the S-300 system.

The defense minister also stressed resolve for lending support to the Resistance Movement in order to establish a secure and stable region against foreign interventions.