Tel Aviv: With massive help from Russia, the Iranian defence industry is developing new systems. On February 17, Iran showcased new weaponry including the Arman anti-ballistic missile system and the Azarakhsh low-altitude air defence system.
According to Iran International, a website operated from London by the opposition to the regime in Tehran, the unveiling ceremony for the two vehicle-mounted systems was attended by Iranian Defence Minister Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Ashtiani, as reported by the official IRNA state news agency.
“With the entry of new systems into the country’s defence network, the air defence capability of the Islamic Republic of Iran will increase significantly,” IRNA said. It said the Arman missile system “can simultaneously confront six targets at a distance of 120 to 180 km”, while the Azarakhsh missile system “can identify and destroy targets… up to a range of 50 km with four ready-to-fire missiles”.
The website points to the fact that Iran often announces the introduction of new military technologies and weapons that is difficult to independently verify.
The claim comes amidst escalating tensions in the region, with Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen conducting a series of attacks on commercial and naval vessels in the Red Sea, in solidarity with Hamas. In response, the US targeted sites in Yemen and facilities of Iran-backed groups in Iraq and Syria. US military bases in Syria and Iraq have also been attacked, while Israel has carried out strikes on Iranian targets in Syria.
-The writer is an Israel-based freelance journalist. The views expressed are of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda
