NOVAS DO IRÃO

Irão testou novo sistema de defesa aéreo

13/11/2012

O Irão anunciou hoje que testou com sucesso um novo sistema de defesa aéreo modelado a partir do  sistema Hawk dos EUA. Um alto funcionário iraniano diz que as manobras são um “estalo” na América e Israel.

Iran says it’s tested new air defense system

Published November 13, 2012  Associated Press
TEHRAN, Iran – State TV broadcast footage Tuesday said to be from the drill, which began Saturday and which has been billed as “massive.” The footage shows a Hawk missile being launched and hitting a mock aircraft.
Earlier reports said the new surface-to-air system is named “Mersad,” or Ambush. It is capable of locking a flying object at a distance of 50 miles and can hit from 30 miles away, state TV said.
According to the reports, the Iranian military is expected to test anti-aircraft batteries and other air defense systems as part of the drill.
“This military exercise is a message and a strong slap to those countries that threaten,” said air defense chief Gen. Farzad Esmaili, referring to the United States and Israel. “And a message of peace and friendship to friendly countries.”
Both Israel and the U.S. have not ruled out a military option against Iran’s suspect nuclear program, which the West fears intends to produce an atomic weapon. Iran denies the charge, saying its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only.
The test came during a six-day air defense drill under way over almost the entire eastern half of the country. The exercise has been said to include Iranian jet fighters, drones and more than 8,000 troops