Iran Starts Mass Production of Aras-3 Military Vehicles

Iran has started mass production of Aras-3 High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWV) besides unveiling a number of locally upgraded missile defense systems.

The military achievements were showcased on February 13 during a ceremony attended by Iran's Defense Minister Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Ashtiani, a number of other high-ranking military officials and experts from the Defense Industries Organization, Iran’s state-owned Press TV reported.

The previous version of the tactical vehicle, the Aras-2, had a range of about 750km. It was utilized for rapid transportation of light and heavy equipment and personnel in mountainous and desert lands and marshes. The Vehicle is custom made which means customer can add a variety of weapons and heavy machine guns and anti-tank missiles and security measures and cameras, The Vehicle can carry its personnel and light and heavy equipment in desert or mountains and swamp and jungles.

The unveiled defense systems included various types of stationary missiles, helicopter-mounted and drone-mounted payloads, as well as long-range and smart ammunition for artillery and mortars, whose range and accuracy in destroying targets have been improved. The new products are the result of a new approach, called “one shot, one target”, that entails engagement with the enemy at greater distances.

Also on Sunday, the commander of the Iranian Army's Ground Force Brigadier General Kioumars Heydari announced formation of a missile unit within his force.

He also unveiled plans to upgrade the Ground Force’s equipment and introduce new gear suitable for rapid reaction operations.

The commander noted that the Army Ground Force has focused efforts on the development of automated and smart ordnance capable of hitting targets at long distances with pinpoint accuracy.