Iran released images of its first domestically built long-range missile defence system on Sunday, a project started when the country was under international sanctions.
Images on multiple state news agencies showed President Hassan Rouhani and Minister of Defence Hossein Dehghan standing in front of the new Bavar 373 missile defence system. The system was designed to intercept cruise missiles, drones, combat aircraft and ballistic missiles, according to earlier statements by Mr. Dehghan.
The project was launched as an alternative to the Russian S-300 system, the delivery of which was suspended in 2010 due to sanctions imposed over Iran's nuclear programme.
Mr. Rouhani also unveiled the first Iranian-made turbo-jet engine on Sunday, saying it was capable of flight at 50,000 feet.
“The Islamic republic is one of eight countries in the world who have mastered the technology to build these engines,” the President said.
Mr. Dehghan added that Iran was now looking to develop seaborne cruise missiles capable of supersonic speed.
The new Bavar 373 has Iran’s first vertical launcher, using Sayad 3 missiles that were first tested in September 2014.
