Iran unveiled on Saturday a locally upgraded radar system with a range of 400 km that could help defend against cruise and ballistic missiles and drones.
The "Falaq" defense system is a locally overhauled version of the imported “Gamma” surveillance radar, the semi-official ISNA news agency said, in an apparent reference to a Russian-made system, which wasn’t used by Iran due to sanctions imposed, lack of spare parts and the inability of foreign engineers to carry out repairs.
The agency didn’t mention where the new system was unveiled while Iranian TV showed footage of the Falaq system.
Western military analysts said Iran usually exaggerates its weapons capabilities, but concerns about its ballistic missile program have contributed to Washington’s withdrawal in 2018 from the 2015 deal with world powers.
The deal aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear ambitions in return for easing economic sanctions imposed on it.
“This system has high capabilities and can detect all types of cruise and ballistic missiles and drones,” Brigadier General Alireza Sabahifard, commander of the regular army’s air defenses, was quoted as saying by semi-official news agency Mehr.
The announcement comes amid rising tensions in the Middle East, where the United States has in recent months stepped up pressure on Iran.
US President Donald Trump imposed sanctions on Tehran again after pulling out of the nuclear deal, which its other signatories are struggling to maintain as Washington also lobbies to establish a maritime security coalition to safeguard shipping in the Gulf in a related standoff with Iran over oil supplies.
Iran shot down a US military surveillance drone in the Gulf with a surface-to-air missile in June. Tehran says the drone was over its territory, but Washington says it was in international airspace.
Iran installed the S-300 system in March 2016 following several years of delay after a nuclear agreement reached with world powers allowed the lifting of international sanctions.
