Iran equips air defense units with Mersad systems

Iran on Thursday equipped its air defense units across the country with large numbers of the home-made Mersad Air Defense Missile System in a move to further boost its defensive power and capability against enemy air raids.The systems were unveiled and delivered to the air defense units in a ceremony attended by Lieutenant Commander of Khatam ol-Anbia Air Defense Base Brigadier General Alireza Sabahifard. The Mersad air defense shield is a completely indigenized system developed by the Iranian experts and technicians to promote the country's combat power. The system has already passed filed tests and is used as part of the country's integrated air defense network. The Mersad system equipped with Shahin missiles is capable of tracing and targeting any enemy aircraft at 70 to 150km altitude and is considered as a mid-altitude system among the country's missile shields. Earlier in September, the Iranian Defense Ministry supplied Shalamcheh missiles to Khatam ol-Anbia Air Defense Base. Shalamcheh is a Mach 3 mid-range missile that can also be used as a short-range air defense system. In April, Iran successfully test-fired Shalamcheh and another mid-range Hawk missile named 'Shahin' capable of tracing and targeting aggressive aircraft at low and medium altitudes. The two Shahin missiles were launched from Mersad air defense system.