Tehran, March 11 (IANS) Iran has started production of new medium-range surface-to-air missiles with the aim of upgrading its air defence systems.

Iranian Defence Minister Ahmad Vahidi said the missiles can travel with supersonic speed and hit the target at the distance of 40 km.

These technologically advanced missiles are apt in electronic warfare, Vahidi said, adding that the missiles break into small pieces and act as shrapnel, upon impact.

'The mass production of air defence systems is successfully underway and these systems will (soon) be delivered (to the armed forces),' Vahidi was quoted as saying by Press TV.