Article Posted on : - Dec 10, 2013

TEHRAN (AP): Iran has dramatically improved the accuracy of its ballistic missiles by using laser systems, its defense minister has said.

In comments broadcast on state TV on Monday, Hossein Dehghan said Iranian missiles can now strike within two meters (yards) of their targets, compared to 200 meters (yards) previously.

"The inaccuracy of (our) ballistic long-range missiles in hitting targets is so minimal that we can pinpoint targets.

The accuracy of surface-to-surface missiles is now two meters, while at some stage in the past it was 200 meters. We strive to reach zero inaccuracy," Dehghan said. The remarks were also posted on his ministry's website.

Iran frequently announces breakthroughs in military technology that are impossible to independently verify. But the Pentagon released a rare public report last June noting significant advances in Iranian missile technology, acknowledging that the Islamic Republic has improved the accuracy and firing capabilities of its missiles.

Many of Iran's missiles use solid fuel, or a combination of both solid and liquid fuel, improving the accuracy of the weapons.

Iran has a variety of missiles, some with a reported range of 2,000 kilometers, enough to reach much of the Middle East. Military commanders have described them as a strategic asset and a strong deterrent, capable of hitting US bases or Israel in the event of a strike on Iran.

Commanders said Iran's capability of firing multiple missiles within seconds is another technological achievement by Iran's military. They say this would create a challenge for the US or Israel to intercept incoming missiles should a war break out.

Iran unveiled several underground missile silos in 2011.

Revolutionary Guard commanders say the medium- and long-range missiles stored in them are ready to launch in case of an attack on Iran. Such sites are harder to detect and can arm faster than missiles outdoors.

Iran's military leaders believe future wars will be air- and sea-based. Tehran has sought to upgrade its missile and air defense systems as well as naval power in anticipation of such a possibility.