Iran unveils new drone, missile systems

An Iranian missile is put on display during a military parade on April 18, 2013, which marks the National Army Day.

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The Islamic Republic of Iran has unveiled an indigenous stealth unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), two indigenous missile systems and a domestically-built mobile electronic interception system.
The drone, named Hazem 3, and Ya Zahra 3 and Mersad 2 missile systems as well as Sayyad 40 mobile electronic interception system were unveiled during a parade marking the National Army Day on Thursday.
Commander of Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Air Defense Base Brigadier General Farzad Esmaili said earlier that the drone, which is a long-range aircraft, can be used in targeting and reconnaissance operations, and for carrying cargo whenever needed.
The country’s latest indigenous air-to-surface missiles, Fakour and Qader, were also put on display during the parade, held next to the Imam Khomeini's Mausoleum in the south of the Iranian capital.
Shahab, Thamen and Matla' al-Faj advanced radar systems, Nazeat 60 and Nazeat M10 missile launching system as well as Zelzal and Qased missiles were also put on display in the ceremony.
Units of the Iranian Army staged parades on the occasion of the National Army Day to display the country’s defensive and military capabilities.
Senior Iranian officials and a host of top military commanders are attending the ceremony.
The occasion marks the establishment of the Islamic Republic's Army.
In recent years, Iran has made great achievements in its defense sector and attained self-sufficiency in producing essential military equipment and systems.
Iran unveiled its first indigenous long-range drone, Karrar, in August 2010. The aircraft is capable of carrying a military payload of rockets to carry out bombing missions against ground targets, flying long distances at a high speed, and gathering information.
In September 2012, the country also unveiled a new indigenous UAV, Shahed 129, with a 24-hour nonstop flight capability.
In December, Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps Rear Admiral Ali Fadavi said Iran had also launched a production line for the manufacture of ScanEagle-type drones.
Tehran has repeatedly assured other nations that its military might poses no threat to other countries, insisting that the Islamic Republic’s defense doctrine is entirely based on deterrence.
YH/HJL/MA