ABADEH, Iran, Aug. 21 (UPI) -- Construction has begun on a massive air defense base in southern Iran, an Iranian military commander announced Tuesday.
Mohammad Hosseini, deputy commander of engineering affairs for the Khatam ol-Anbia Air Defense Base in the city of Abadeh, said the base will have 6,000 personnel and a significant training mission.
Member of Parliament Rahim Zare called the air base "the product of the achievements in all areas of science," and the semi-official Fars News Agency noted Iran has produced its own tanks, armored personnel carriers, missiles and most recently, fighter planes.
Defense Minister Ahmad Vahidi said Tuesday Iran's domestically built fighter planes will be operational by March, the Mehr News Agency reported.
