英语文摘：Iran begins air defense drills: report

TEHRAN, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- The Iranian Army launched its biggest nationwide air defense drill to prepare against any possible attacks "on public or nuclear sites," the local satellite Press TV reported on Tuesday.

Arial defense units from the Army and the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) are taking part in the three-stage five-day defense maneuvers dubbed "Modafean Aseman Velayat 3," (the Guardians of Islamic Skies), the report said.

The nationwide air maneuvers, which kicked off early Tuesday, were held near Iran's "nuclear and vital landmarks" and include tests of long-range anti-air missiles, according to the report.

The drills aim to enhance response capabilities in countering threats against the county's populated, vital, strategic and nuclear landmarks.

The Commander of Iran's Khatamolanbia Air Defense Base Brigadier General Ahmad Miqani said Sunday the drills are part of an annual exercise that will be held with the participation of all air defense units of the country's armed forces. The specific purpose is to enhance the effectiveness of the country's anti- cruise electronic detection and weapons systems, said Miqani.

Earlier in the day, Miqani announced Iran would produce an air defense radar system with a range of 3,000 km in radius. The country will also unveil a new generation of domestically developed long-range S-200 air defense missile system by next February.