Iran successfully test-fires air defence system

The test of the Russian-made S-300 system came during a recent military exercise

A missile is displayed by Iran's Revolutionary Guard, in front of a portrait of the Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. (2013)

Iran has successfully test-fired a sophisticated Russian-made air defence system.

The official IRNA news agency said the test of the S-300 system came during a recent military exercise called Damvand, the name of Iran’s highest mountain.

It said the test targeted various flying objects including missiles. With a range of up to 125 miles, the S-300 is capable of simultaneously tracking and striking multiple targets.

State TV aired footage of the missiles launching from the back of trucks. It said the test was carried out in Iran’s central desert.

Russia delivered the S-300 system to Iran in 2016, nearly 10 years after the initial contract had been signed.

The deal was agreed in 2007, but Russia suspended delivery three years later because of strong objections from the United States and Israel.

In 2016, a landmark nuclear deal between Iran and world powers went into effect under which Iran limited its nuclear activities in return for the lifting of sanctions.

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