Article Posted on : - Jan 27, 2010

Iran had test-fired its long range Sejil-2 missile in December 2009. A File photo

TEHRAN (AFP): A top commander of Iran's Revolutionary Guards has said that the country's armed forces will unveil several missiles and weapons at the 31st anniversary of the Islamic revolution next month.

Mehr news agency quoted commander Massud Jazayeri as saying: “Several missile and weapons projects will be unveiled during the 10 days of dawn (February 1 to 11) by armed forces.”

Jazayeri's announcement comes less than a week after Tehran said it will reveal three new satellites in February.

Communications Minister Reza Taghipour said the three home-built communications satellites were Toloo (Dawn), Ya Mahdi and Mesbah-2. He did not give a specific date for the launching.

Iran had launched its first home-built satellite, the Omid (Hope), last February to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the Islamic revolution.

The launch sent alarm bells ringing in the international community, which voiced concern over Iran's development of technology that could be used for military purposes.

The West suspects Iran of secretly trying to build an atomic bomb and fears the technology used to launch space rockets could be diverted into developing long-range ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads.