Iran Displays New Russian Missile Defense System on Army Day

Iran on Sunday touted the strength of its military while showing off parts of its new Russian S-300 missile defense system during the nation’s annual Army Day celebration.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani displayed the first part of the S-300, which Russia delivered last week, during the ceremony in Tehran, Reuters reports. The country’s soldiers marched around as fighter jets and bombers put on an air show above, according to the news agency. The show of force was not meant to intimidate other countries, Rouhani said.

“The power of our armed forces is not aimed at any of our neighbors,” he said, according to Reuters, which cited the state news agency IRNA. “Its purpose is to defend Islamic Iran and act as an active deterrent.”

The S-300 missile defense system is one of the most advanced systems of its kind, Reuters reports. It can engage multiple aircraft and ballistic missiles about 90 miles away.

[Reuters]