Russia and Iran start talks on Tor-M1 air defense missile system modernization.

According to Kartashov, Iranian experts "professionally operate" the Tor-M1 missile systems, and provide for its maintenance.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, third right, and Hossein Dehghan, second right, Brigadier General and Minister of Defense of Iran, meet in Tehran

"The equipment is in an excellent combat condition. Perhaps, this is one of the factors withholding the potential aggressor," he said.

The TOR-M1 9A331-1 (NATO code: SA-15 Gauntlet) surface-to-air missile system is a mobile, integrated air defense system. The Tor-M1 can detect aerial targets on the move and launch air defense missiles at two highest-threat targets from a short halt. TOR-MA can operate autonomously, firing from stationary position or on move. Se-up time is rated at 3 minutes and typical reaction time, from target detection to missile launch is 5-8 seconds. With a weight of 167 kg, the 9M330 missile used in Tor-M1 system is 3.5 m long, carries a 15 kg warhead and has an engagement range of 12 km and an effective altitude of 10-6000 m.

Iranian armed forces are reported to use 29 Tor-M1 defense systems.