The Iranian weapons program successfully test-fired on Tuesday an anti-armor missile capable of destroying the most sophisticated armored equipment “in a bold move that will surely alarm the United States and Israel,” reported the official Iranian news agency (IRNA), citing the defense ministry.
The test, "The Saeqeh-1 (lightning) missile, enjoys a high infiltration capability and can destroy the most sophisticated armored equipment in the world," it said in a statement faxed to IRNA.
It said the missile is a product of the experts of the Iranian aerospace industry, which is affiliated to the defense ministry.
"The missile, tested in two phases, is very precise in hitting targets, thanks to its range and operational capability in different geographical positions," it said. The statement added that the missiles are to be mass-produced in the country to meet the needs of the Iranian army.
"Each of locally-produced missile can save Iran 500 million dollars annually in foreign currency," it said. "Production of such missiles is proof of Iran's ceaseless efforts made by the aerospace industry experts to embark on an ambitious arms program," the statement noted.
In May this year Iran also successfully test-fired a domestically made solid-fueled missile.
The surface-to-surface rocket can be guided to destroy targets with high accuracy.
The Fateh (Victorious) 110 was planned and produced totally by Iranian experts at its army headquarters as part of efforts to achieve military self-sufficiency, said IRNA.
The military has earlier announced a comprehensive campaign to produce and promote the manufacture of conventional arms for defensive uses in a bid to counter crippling sanctions imposed in the aftermath of the 1980-1988 Iraqi-imposed war.
The United States and Israel have voiced concern over Iran's success in domestically producing arms in an effort to “divert world attention from the real threats posed by the Israeli regime which has one of the world's largest nuclear arsenal,” said the agency.
The campaign began last year when Iran test-fired a version of its Shahab-3 missile with a range of 1,300 km (800 miles) – Albawaba.com
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