Iran shows off new air defense system

Iran has displayed a new, all-Iranian-made air defense system that is reportedly an upgrade to an earlier Russian-made mobile model.                    

The system was on show Friday during a military parade in Tehran commemorating the start of the Iraq-Iran war 32 years ago.                                  

The semi-official Fars news agency says the Raad, or Thunder, is more advanced than its Russian predecessor and is designed to confront fighter jets, cruise missiles, smart bombs, helicopters and drones.                         

The agency says Raad carries missiles with a range of 50 kilometers (30 miles), capable of hitting targets at 22,000 meters (75,000 feet).                        

Iran's military leaders have said they believe future wars will be air and sea-based and Tehran has sought to upgrade its air defense systems and naval power in anticipation of such a possibility.                           

During the parade, Iran warned Israel and its ally, the US, from attacking its territory claiming that a response will be "immediate".                   

In reference to Israel, Armed Forces Chief of Staff Major General Hassan Firouzabadi said: "we are not threatened by the absurdities of such regimes", assuring that Tehran's response to any attack will be immediate and unstoppable.    

AP/LBCI