Tuesday, December 13 2005 10:42 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Tehran: Iran has successfully tested surface-to-sea missiles with a range of 110 kilometers, state television reported yesterday (Dec 12, 2005).

The testing of the Silkworm missiles was the most important project of today's military manoeuvres in southern Iran, the television said.

It said the Silkworms have a speed of 290 kilometers per second and a range of 110 kilometers. They can detect targets from a distance of 15 kilometers and have the capacity to destroy a warship.

The report did not say whether the missiles could carry nuclear warheads.

Iran's armed forces began their biggest military manoeuvres on Friday in national waters in the Sea of Oman and Indian Ocean, close to Pakistan. The drills involved submarines, warships, missiles, jet fighters and gunships.

On Sunday, Iran commissioned its second domestically-built submarine, a vessel that can fire missiles and torpedoes simultaneously.

Iran produces the Shahab-3 missile, capable of reaching Israel and US forces stationed in the region. Since 1992, it also has produced its own tanks, armoured personnel carriers, missiles and a fighter plane.