TEHRAN (AP) - Iran says it has started mass producing a new sophisticated air defence missile system capable of engaging low-altitude aircraft.

The Monday report by state TV quoted Defence Minister Ahmad Vahidi as saying the new system, dubbed Herz-9 or Talisman-9 in Farsi, is capable of operating at night.

He said the system was mobile and could automatically identify and target flying objects at "low altitude." The TV showed the system, involving double missiles mounted on a truck.

From time to time, Iran announces military achievements that cannot be independently verified.

The country, facing a Western military embargo, is pursuing a programme for military self-sufficiency, producing weapons ranging from light submarines and jet fighters to torpedoes and missiles.