SPACE WIRE
Iran says it successfully fired new anti-tank missile
TEHRAN (AFP) Jul 31, 2001
Iran's armed forces have successfully test-fired a new anti-tank missile capable of destroying the most modern and sophisticated armour, state media reported, quoting a military communique.

The missile, dubbed Saeqeh-1 (Lightning-1) and designed by the national aerospace industry, was remarkable for its accuracy, range and adaptability to various geographical conditions, the communique said.

It called the new development "a bold movethat will surely alarm the United States and Israel," Iran's arch foes.

Iran, which is under a western arms embargo since the Islamic revolution of 1979, has reacted by designing and manufacturing its own sophisticated weaponry, including missiles, submarines and helicopters and claims to be approaching self-sufficiency in defence.

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