TEHRAN, Jan. 12 (UPI) -- Iranian military officials said they were working up the next generation of a 2,000-pound smart bomb that will have a range of more than 60 miles.
Iranian air force Gen. Mohammad Reza Karashki said researchers in the country's air force were working on the third generation of a smart bomb dubbed Qassed, Persian for "messenger."
"The third generation of Qassed smart bombs will be equipped with engines and its range will be increased to more than 60 miles," he told the semiofficial Fars News Agency.
The second generation of the weapon is in production and has a range of about 30 miles, he said.
Tehran last year said the defense ministry was working on a short-range, air-defense system that can fire 4,000 rounds per minute.
Iran started work in 2009 on stealth technology and cruise-interceptor missiles. Iranian air force officials in February said they tested their first domestic stealth drone, dubbed Manta Ray.
Defense officials note Iran has become self-sufficient in the production and manufacturing of the vessels and munitions necessary for domestic defense.
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