| The U.S. Defense Department says it is possible | | | | boast and exaggerate their statements about |
| Iran has made improvements in its missile forces, | | | | greater technical and tactical capabilities." |
| but a spokesman has also warned that Iran has | | | | Whitman says ballistic missiles have long been an |
| exaggerated its capabilities in the past. | | | | important part of Iran's military strategy, and that |
| Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman responded | | | | the country has the largest inventory of such |
| Monday to Iranian claims that in recent days it has | | | | missiles in the Middle East. |
| tested improved airborne and undersea missiles. | | | | Iran has announced three weapons advances |
| He said Iran has conducted many tests during the | | | | during war games it began conducting on Friday. |
| past year of both ballistic and anti-ship missiles, | | | | The latest announcement involved a torpedo fired |
| and it would not be surprising if it has made some | | | | on Monday that Iranian state television says is |
| progress during that time. | | | | capable of destroying enemy ships and |
| "We know that the Iranians are always trying to | | | | submarines "at any depth and any speed." |
| improve their weapons systems by both foreign | | | | Earlier, Iran said it had successfully test fired an |
| and indigenous measures," he said. "It's possible | | | | airborne missile that can avoid enemy radar and |
| that they are increasing their capability and making | | | | deliver warheads to several targets |
| strides in radar absorbing materials and targeting. | | | | simultaneously. It also announced the test firing of |
| However, the Iranians have been known also to | | | | a new high-speed underwater missile. |