June 11, 2013 - 14:35 AMT
Iran reportedly launches re-equipped destroyer on Persian Gulf

Iran said it launched a 50-year-old destroyer on the Persian Gulf after overhauling it and rearming with modern missiles.

Since 1992, Iran has been pursuing a self-sufficiency military program, reportedly producing its own jet fighters, tanks, missiles and light submarines as well as torpedoes.

According to The Associated Press, the report by state TV quotes Rear Adm. Abbas Zamini as saying that experts had equipped the destroyer Bayandor during its 20-month overhaul with anti-ship missiles capable of firing 160 kilometers (100 miles).

Zamini says the destroyer joined Iran's navy in 1964 and is named after a World War II war hero.