Iran begins production of air defense missile

Iran's state television reports the production of a new air defense missile.

Iran's state television reports the production of a new air defense missile.

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The Sunday report quotes Defense Minister Ahmad Vahidi as saying the missile, dubbed the Mersad or Ambush, is able to hit modern aircraft at low and medium altitudes.

Vahdid did not elaborate on specification of the missile however he said the new system is more advanced than the U.S.-made Hawk missile, which Iran purchased in the 1970s.

The Hawk has a range 15 miles (24 kilometers) with a 119-pound warhead.

Tehran, which began a military self-sufficiency program in 1992, frequently makes announcements about new advances in military technology that cannot be independently verified.