Iran's Defense Minister said Wednesday the country will launch a new-generation military satellite in early February next year.

This satellite, which was built by Iranian scientists, is a big step for the continued presence of Iran in space and for taking advantage of the opportunities offered in this field, the defense minister Ahmad Vahidi said.

Ahmad Vahidi was quoted by Press TV that the satellite, called Toloo, was designed and built by Iranian scientists and experts at Iran's Electronics Industries Co.

The great achievements made by Iran's defense ministry in the electronics field has both increased Iran's deterrent power and ended the monopoly of some countries in this complex field, he said.

Using these modern technologies, Iran's armed forces are capable of catching the enemies off guard, identifying their software and hardware potential and depriving the enemy of movement and maneuverability, Vahidi told the semi-official Fars news agency.

He did not give any details as to the capability of the Tolou satellites - which means sunrise in Farsi.

Iran launched its first satellite, Omid, in February, an event that President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad hailed as a source of pride for the Islamic republic.

The U.S. State Department expressed grave concern over the launch at the time.

Electronics Launch