Iran has started production of two missile boats, at one of which will be deployed in the Caspian Sea, Iran's defense minister has announced.
IRAN kicked off mass production of two classes of high-speed missile-launching assault boats today, warning its enemies not to "play with fire" as it boosts security along its coastline...
State news agency IRNA reported that Seraj (Lamp) and Zolfaqar (named after Shi'ite Imam Ali's sword) speedboats would be manufactured at the marine industries complex of the ministry of defence.
Defence Minister Ahmad Vahidi opened the assembly lines, saying the vessels would help strengthen Iran's defence forces, IRNA said.
"Today, the Islamic Republic of Iran is relying on a great defence industry and the powerful forces of Sepah (Revolutionary Guards) and the army, with their utmost strength, can provide security to the Persian Gulf, the Sea of Oman and Strait of Hormuz," Mr Vahidi said.
The Seraj would be deployed in the Caspian, but there aren't too many details available about what the boat actually is, and Iran is wont to exaggerate its military capabilities.
"Seraj is a fast moving assault rocket launcher using sophisticated and modern technology," Mr Vahidi was cited as saying by IRNA.
Vahidi says, as one does in these situations, that deploying this ship in the Caspian is purely defensive, but warns that "extraregional powers" (which could he be talking about?) are militarizing it:
Vahidi also said that the Islamic Republic's policy towards the Caspian Sea is non-military, but some extra regional powers have plans for the militarization of the sea.
"The Iranian Navy forces have a strong presence in the Caspian Sea and this presence is in the framework of restoring security and joint cooperation with neighboring countries," Vahidi added.
He should read EurasiaNet! Then he would see that some regional powers also are working to militarize the sea...
Joshua Kucera, a senior correspondent, is Eurasianet's former Turkey/Caucasus editor and has written for the site since 2007.
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