Iran says it has begun production of a cruise missile that can hit targets within a 200 kilometer range.

Defense Minister Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi said Wednesday that the Ghader missile has “high destructive power” and is capable of destroying targets that include warships.

He said an unspecified number of the missiles would be domestically built and delivered to the country's Revolutionary Guards and navy.

Iran frequently makes announcements about its military advances. Many claims can not be independently verified.

Last Thursday, military leaders marked the 31st anniversary of the start of the Iran-Iraq war with a parade that included a display of ballistic missiles.

The display included what Tehran calls the long-range Sajjil missile. Iranian officials say the weapon is capable of reaching Israel and U.S.-allied Arab nations.