Iran test-fires air defence system

Tehran, May 5 (IANS) Iran said it has successfully test-fired an air defence system capable of destroying different types of modern fighter jets and drones, media reports said.

During the test conducted at the Khatam al-Anbiya Air Defence Base, the mid-altitude missile system successfully targeted an unmanned aerial vehicle with an indigenous missile, Xinhua quoted Brig. Gen. Farzad Esmaili as saying Sunday.

"Mersad is a mid-altitude missile defence system which enjoys more and better capabilities in intercepting targets, electronic warfare. Its radar covers wider and farther areas compared with its foreign rivals," Esmaili said.

Despite Western countries' concerns over the advancement of Tehran's missile programme, the Islamic republic said that its military achievements will only be harnessed for defensive purposes.