Iran launched production of the 'Sayyad 2' missile on Saturday, the semi-official Fars news agency reported.
Attending the launch ceremony, Iranian Defense Minister Brig. Gen. Hossein Dehqan said the missile would be used to defend the country against possible air raids, and was capable of destroying helicopters and drones, according to Fars.
The Sayyad 2 is an updated version of the Sayyad 1 surface-to-air missile, Fars reported, capable of reaching higher altitudes and striking with greater precision.
Iran has test-fired several missiles in recent years, including the launch of Iranian Shahab missiles in July 2012 during the "Great Prophet 7" military exercises.
Iran's official English-language Press TV said the Shahab 3 missile with a range of 1,300 kilometers (800 miles) -- able to reach Israel -- was tested at the time, along with the shorter-range Shahab 1 and 2.
However, military experts have often cast doubt on Iran's claims of weapons advances, especially assertions about its missile program, saying Tehran often exaggerates its capabilities.
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