In a move aimed at preventing reliance on foreign made weapons systems, the Iranian military unveiled its first domestically produced tank. Associated Press reports that it has been dubbed the Karrar (“Striker”), which is strange, in and if itself, since Wikipedia claims that the Karrar is a UCAV, not a tank. No matter, Iran’s Defense Minister Hossein Dehghan says that “the tank has the capability to fire missiles and precisely guide them.”

Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency indicates that the “Karrar” is equipped with an electro-optical fire control system and laser range-finder and is capable of firing at both stable and mobile targets day or night. Dehghan also says the tank can compete with the most advanced tanks in the world in the three main areas of “power, precision and mobility,” although its unclear if these claims can be corroborated by Western analysts. Still, the fact that Iran can produced its own main battle tank, much as it does for other equipment including missiles, fighter jets and submarines, comes as a stark reminder that they wish to control their own destiny should they become embroiled in another conflict.