Iran's Defense Ministry introduced a new domestically-manufactured cruise missile that will significantly improve the deterrence capabilities of the Iranian military forces, the local satellite Press TV reported on Sunday.

This photo released by the Iranian Defense Ministry, alledgedly shows a Nasr1 (Victory) missile in a factory in Tehran, Iran, Sunday, March 7, 2010. Gen. Ahmad Vahidi announced on state TV Sunday a new production line of highly accurate, short range cruise missiles capable of evading radar. The missile named Nasr 1 (Victory) will be capable of destroying targets up to 3,000 tons in size according to Vahidi. Iran frequently makes announcements about new advances in military technology that cannot be independently verified. [China Daily via Agencies]

Iran's Defense Minister Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi said Sunday, at the inauguration ceremony of the production line, that the Nasr (Victory) missile is able to eliminate targets of up to 3000 tons, the report said.

The short-range cruise missile can be launched from both inland bases and offshore military vessels, Vahidi was quoted as saying.

"New features will be added to the missile in the near future," he said, "which will make it suitable for launch from helicopters and submarines."

The United States and other Western powers are skeptical about Iran's weaponry program, especially those of missiles which could possibly use nuclear materials. But Tehran contends that its military and nuclear program were for defensive and peaceful use.