Iran has developed and successfully tested...

Ahmad Vahidi announced on Sunday that the new system, dubbed Mersad (Ambush), is equipped with a sophisticated radar, an advanced launcher, and modern guidance and target acquisition electronics.

"The system is highly dynamic, capable of combat in electronic warfare and can be linked with other radar and air defense systems," Vahidi said.

According to the minister, the Mersad system will incorporate Iran"s domestically manufactured Shahin missile, which is an upgraded version of the U.S.-made Hawk missile supplied to Iran in the 1970s.

"Its [the Shahin"s] production has begun and a sizeable number will be delivered to the armed forces this year," Vahidi said.

The minister did not specify the effective range of the new system, but the Hawk missile has a range of 15 miles.

The development of an advanced air defense system could mean that Tehran has achieved a significant level of self-sufficiency in protecting its nuclear facilities from potential

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