Iran testfires 2000-pound guided bomb
Pastor Dale Morgan
Iran testfires 2000-pound guided bomb*
Associated Press
Tehran, September 8, 2006
Iran on Thursday ended its large-scale military exercises by testing
firing a 2000-pound guided bomb, state-run television reported.
"It is a flying bomb and can be used as a guided long-range
air-to-surface missile," Gen. Amir Amini, deputy commander of Iran's air
force, told state TV.
Amini added that the bomb was a special weapon developed for penetrating
military, economic and strategic targets located deep underground on the
soil of the enemy.
Gen Amini said the bomb has an "exceptional" explosive power against its
targets either on the ground or in the sea.
The bomb, named Qassed or Herald, was shown in a televised picture in
white, yellow, red and green colours.
Iran has conducted a major military build-up, concerned about the US
military presence in neighbouring Iraq and Afghanistan at a time when
the international community has threatened to impose sanctions against
Tehran because of its disputed nuclear program.
During manoeuvres dubbed "The Blow of Zolfaghar," which began on August
19, Iran has test fired short range surface-to-surface and
sub-to-surface missiles, a new air defence system, fighter planes and
laser bombs.