Iran has started production of an advanced air defense missile system. And a large number will be delivered to the country's armed forces this year.

Iran's Defense Minister, Ahmad Va-hidi, says the Mersad missile defense system, can shoot down aircraft, and will upgrade Iran's defense. Iran, has made regular announcements of progress in its military capabilities, and carries out missile tests.

In February, it declared it had officially begun producing two new missiles. This latest announcement comes less than a week after Tehran urged Moscow not to bow to Western pressure, over the sale of a Russian missile defense system to Iran. The system could protect its nuclear facilities from air strikes.