TEHRAN The Iranian Defense Ministry has produced for the first time 125-mm ammunition for T-72 tanks, an official with the ministry said Saturday.

Seyed Razi Shabiri, head of the ammunition-producing department of Defense Ministry said the production of this developed ammunition would initiate a new technology in defense field, according to IRNA.

He said that the ammunition can annihilate targets lying at a range of 1-2.4 kilometers. He estimated the price of the ammunition at 400 dollars.

Iran has developed its defense industry, especially after a bitter war with Iraq during 19890-1988 which claimed tens of thousands of lives on both sides.

The Iranian Air Force and navy hold some 40 maneuvers per year in the Persian Gulf waters and the Sea of Oman.