TEHRAN -- Iran said it successfully test-fired on Sunday an air defense system capable of destroying different types of modern fighter jets and drones, local media reported.

During the test, conducted at the Khatam al-Anbiya Air Defense Base, the mid-altitude missile system successfully targeted an unmanned aerial vehicle with an indigenous missile, the semi- official Fars news agency reported, quoting the base's commander, Brig. Gen. Farzad Esmaili.

"Mersad is a mid-altitude missile defense system which enjoys more and better capabilities in intercepting targets, electronic warfare and also its radar covers a wider and farther areas compared with its foreign rivals," Esmaili said.

Despite Western countries' concerns over the advancement of Tehran's missile program, the Islamic republic said that its military achievements will only be harnessed for defensive purposes.

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