Iran unveils new air defence system capable of intercepting six targets at once: Reports

TEHRAN (Sputnik): The Iranian Defence Ministry has presented its new domestically-designed air defence system Khordad 15 capable of shooting down six targets at the same time, the Tasnim news agency reported, citing Iranian Defense Minister Brig. Gen. Amir Hatami.

The new air defence system, equipped with phased array radar and independent launch pads, can detect both warplanes and intruding drones within a range of 150 kilometres (93 miles) and track them at a range of 120 kilometres, according to the Tasnim news agency.

The Iranian defence minister also stated that the Khordad 15 system paired with Sayyad-3 long-range missiles, was capable of detecting targets within a range of 85 kilometres and hitting them at a range of 45 kilometres. The new air defence system can spot six targets simultaneously and due to its high-level mobility the military can prepare to open fire in less than 5 minutes, the minister noted.

As for the maximum height of the strike, Hatami stressed that Khordad 15 was able to shoot down targets at 27 kilometres off the ground.

The new system has already been deployed to Iranian Air Defense Forces, the news outlet stated.

IRNA adds: Omani airline ‘SalamAir’ connecting Tehran to Muscat launched on Sunday in a special ceremony hosting two sides’ officials.

Iran’s Ambassador to Oman Mohammad Reza Nouri Shahroudi, along with a number of Omani officials and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SalamAir Mohamed Ahmed attended the opening ceremony.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony, Shahroudi said launching the airline shows affinity between Iran and Oman.

He described Iran’s capacities in terms of high population and facilities in economic, scientific and medical fields that could be regarded as a suitable opportunity for Omani people.

He added that SalamAir airline is to facilitate travel between the two countries.

In the first phase, the airline is to launch three regular weekly flights on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

SalamAir is a low-cost airline which is based at Muscat International Airport.