Iranian armed forces plan to further expand its air defense network 2411141.

"Today the country's airspace is monitored point by point by the air defense base, and with God's help, the power of the air defense base will grow even further after we increase our air defense points from 3,600 to 5,000 sites," Esmayeeli said after visiting Zabol radar site in Southeastern Iran on Sunday, November 23, 2014.

Esmayeeli announced in September that Iran would unveil and launch several new hi-tech radar and air defense systems with various capabilities, including trace and identification of small flying objects, this year.

"Arash 2 radar system with the capability of discovering small flying objects which is based on the world's state-of-the-art technology is one of the latest achievements" of Iran's air defense, Esmayeeli said in a press conference on the occasion of the Air Defense Day in Iran.

He described indigenization of systems and equipment as a priority for Iran's defense system, and said, "Since last year, 4 systems have become fully operational, which will be unveiled and added to the air defense cycle soon." "One of these systems is a long-range space radar with combined frequencies and the capability of discovering small flying objects and cruise missiles."

Esmayeeli also elaborated on the new defense systems built by the country's specialists, and said, "All Talash 1, 2 and 3 missile systems which enjoy the capability of engagement have been tested and will join the integrated (missile defense) network soon."

In relevant remarks in August, senior Iranian military officials said Iran enjoyed such an integrated air defense system that no enemy flying object can approach the country's border without being noticed.

"At present, every part of the Islamic Republic of Iran's airspace is connected to the integrated air defense network and the smallest movements cannot go unnoticed by the eagle eyes of the air defense base," Lieutenant Commander of Khatam ol-Anbia Air Defense Base Brigadier General Alireza Sabahifard said.

He underlined the special importance of air defense in the country's defense system, and said, "Before the Islamic Revolution in Iran (1979) air defense was limited to protecting a number of Air Force bases and some important cities, but when the Iraqi-imposed war on Iran (1980-1988) started and the enemy launched comprehensive attacks on all the sensitive and vital centers of the country, Iran's air defense grew on a daily basis to the point that now air defense units have been deployed in more than 3600 sites."