Azernews.Az

Iran will install its newly unveiled Asr radar system on the Jamaran destroyer, head of the Iranian Navy's Industrial Research and Self-Sufficiency Organisation Rear Admiral Ali Gholamzadeh said, Fars news agency reported on December 4.

The Asr naval phased array long range radar system being manufactured by the Navy Industrial Research and Self-Sufficiency Organisation was unveiled on Nov.27.

Gholamzadeh went on to note that the radar is also planned to be installed on the Sahand destroyer which is being built.

"If a new radar system is not manufactured until the Sahand destroyer's launch, Asr will be installed on board," he said.

Gholamzadeh also underlined that sailing range of the Sahand would be twice that of the Jamaran destroyer as well as its weapons.

In recent years, Iran's Navy has been increasing its presence in international waters to protect naval routes and provide security for merchant vessels and tankers.

The Islamic Republic has repeatedly asserted that its overseas naval presence is meant to convey a message of peace and friendship to regional countries.

In line with international efforts against piracy, the navy has also been conducting patrols in the pirate infested Gulf of Aden since November 2008 in order to safeguard merchant containers and oil tankers owned or leased by Iran or other countries.