The Leader of Islamic Revolution underlined the vital role of the Army's Air Defense Force in safeguarding the security of the 80-million nation, stating that the force is "in the front line of defending the dignity and existence" of Iran.
Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei made the statement in a meeting with commanders and personnel of the Khatam al-Anbia Air Defense Base in Tehran on Sunday, his official website reported.
The Leader praised the force for its huge achievement in making Iran's airspace one of the safest in the world, saying it was not possible without drawing on the capabilities of the motivated and competent youth.
Ayatollah Khamenei said the big part played by the young workforce in the progress of the armed forces and also Iran's significant scientific growth proves that the Iranian youth are capable of removing obstacles and solving challenges.
The Leader urged air defense commanders to try harder to make the best of talents of the youth and develop "educated, skillful, brave and driven" workforce.
"Keep up the work at a faster speed and try to come up with novel and innovative designs to move the country toward self-sufficiency," he said.
The Khatam al-Anbia base, which split from the Army's Air Force in 2008 to form a fourth force, has developed many indigenous radars and anti-aircraft weapons in recent years, notably Bavar 373.
The long-range surface-to-air defense system, an equivalent of the Russian S-300, is set to become operational by March 2018.
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