'Iran to unveil mobile S-200 system'

The mobile version of Iranâ„¢s indigenous S-200 missile defense system will be unveiled in upcoming military drills by Iranian air defense units, a senior commander says.

The move follows Leader of the Islamic Revolution and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khameneiâ„¢s emphasizing that a mobile version of the system be developed, said Brigadier General Farzad Esmaili, the commander of Khatam al-Anbia Air Defense Base.

In addition to the S-200 system, said the senior commander, plans are in the pipeline to build mobile versions of all artillery and missile defense systems in the nationâ„¢s air defense sector.

In the new version of the S-200 system, he noted, its fire power and precision targeting have also been improved and tested successfully.

The Iranian commander said the mobile version of the air defense system would be unveiled in military exercises code-named Å“Modafeâ„¢an-e Aseman-e Velayat 5” (Guardians of the Velayat Skies 5), due to be held in six monthsâ„¢ time.

He first announced the upcoming military exercises last Wednesday during a ceremony to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the downing of Iran Air passenger flight 655 by US naval forces in the Persian Gulf on July 3, 1988.

Esmaili had described the drills as more extensive than a similar military exercise staged in eastern Iran last year, saying that the Hazem 3 drone would also be unveiled during the maneuvers.

The Islamic Republic has repeatedly assured other nations, especially its neighbors, that its military might poses no threat to other countries, insisting that its defense doctrine is based on deterrence.

MFB/NN/HMV