The defense minister announced on Tuesday Khatam al-Anbia Air Defense Base has been equipped with S-300 missile system, but will simultaneously pursue the mass production of an indigenous air defense system this year.
"Khatam al-Anbia Air Defense Base has received the strategic S-300 air defense missile system," Lieutenant General Hossein Dehqan said on the sidelines of a visit to an exhibition on the achievements of the air defense base, Tasnim News Agency reported. Highlighting the country's major strides toward self-sufficiency in the area of air defense, he said Iran has developed its domestically-designed Bavar-373 air defense system and will launch its mass production this year.
He said the Iranian system enjoys specifications and functions similar to those of S-300. Dehqan noted that Bavar-373 can simultaneously engage multiple aircraft, ballistic missiles and drones.
Back in April, Iran displayed part of the Russian-made S-300 air defense missile system in a military parade in Tehran, held to mark the National Army Day.
The gear unveiled in the ceremony included two radar systems of S-300, its carrier and command vehicles as well as the crane for lifting missiles.
Dehqan also said Iran has made great achievements in its defense sector and attained self-sufficiency in producing essential military equipment and systems related to tracking, detection, interception and surveillance. Iranian military experts and technicians have in recent years made great headways in manufacturing a broad range of indigenous equipment, making the armed forces self-sufficient in the arms sphere.
