Iran Producing New Air Defense Missile 05/20 07:23

   TEHRAN< Iran (AP) --- Iran says it has started mass producing a new 
sophisticated air defense missile system capable of engaging low-altitude 
aircraft.

   The Monday report by state TV quotes Defense Minister Gen. Ahmad Vahidi as 
saying the new system, dubbed Herz-9 or Talisman-9 in Farsi, is capable of 
operating at night.

   He said the system was mobile and could automatically identify and target 
flying objects at "low altitude."

   The TV showed the system, involving double missiles mounted on a truck.

   From time to time Iran announces military achievements that cannot be 
independently verified.

   The country, facing a Western military embargo, is pursuing a program for 
military self-sufficiency, producing weapons ranging from light submarines and 
jet fighters to torpedoes and missiles.


(KA)