Iran begins military exercises

TEHRAN, Nov. 16 (UPI) -- Iran began massive air defense military exercises Tuesday in an effort to boost its capability to defend the country's airspace, military officials said.

It was the first day of a five-day nationwide military drill that included police and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard, the Iranian Students News Agency reported.

Drill spokesman Brigadier Gen. Hamid Arjangi said missile systems with low, mid- and high-altitude were used in Tuesday's exercises.

"Boosting self-confidence and self-esteem of Iranian air defense forces is one of the goals of the operation," Arjangi said.

The first phase of the five-day exercises was scheduled to end Wednesday.

Defense analysts believe the drills are mainly aimed at testing the latest anti-air missile systems and aircraft produced by Iran, Fars News Agency reported.

Iran's defense minister recently announced plans for Tehran to produce long-range air defense missiles without any foreign assistance.

"We build whatever we want inside the country," said Brigadier Gen. Ahmad Vahidi.