Iran 'installs air missile systems around former nuclear enrichment plant'

The system is reportedly thought to be capable of firing missiles at targets over 90 miles away

A long-range S-300 missile system from Russia is displayed by Iran's army during a parade (AP)

Iran has reportedly installed a powerful missile defence system around a former underground nuclear enrichment plant now used as a science facility, in order to “protect” it from external harm.

The Fordow facility, situated roughly 60 miles south of the Iranian capital Tehran, is to be defended by a comprehensive S-300 surface-to-air missile defence system, supplied by the Russian government.

The system is thought to be capable of firing missiles at targets over 90 miles away and track potential threats within a 200 mile radius, carried on the back of large launcher trucks.

Iranian state television broadcast footage showing the deployment of the system with General Farzad Esmaili telling reporters it was the air force’s “main priority” to protect the country’s nuclear facilities.

“Today, Iran’s sky is one of the most secure in the Middle East,” he added.“Since [the facilities] are national achievements of Iran, they must be vigorously protected.

“We carry out defense exercises in non-nuclear facilities once a month, but we do them several times a month in our nuclear facilities.”

Operations at the Fordow uranium plant were thought to have ceased in January following an international agreement to limit Iran’s nuclear programme in exchange for lifting sanctions on Tehran.

Officials have stated the site is now primarily being used for nuclear research and the production of isotopes for medical purposes, after the facility was converted into a technology and science centre.

General Esmaili said the S-300 missiles were a mobile system which would be relocated often to protect a range of site across the area.

Iran says that it has never sought nuclear arms and that the security around the site is intended to protect it from American or Israeli airstrikes.

Russia began delivering the S-300 system this year under a contract signed in 2007, and Iran says the entire system should be in place by the end of the year.