TEHERAN, April 8 (RIA Novosti) - Iran is carrying out tests of advanced nuclear equipment, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Tuesday.

He did not specify the type of equipment, but it is believed he was referring to 'P-2' model centrifuges, which are more reliable than the ones Iran currently uses. The 'P-2' is capable of enriching uranium to weapons-grade level.

"The equipment being tested is at least five times as powerful as that used now. Progress in nuclear technology will be soon integrated into the industry of our country," Ahmadinejad said.

He said earlier on Tuesday that the Islamic Republic had started to install another 6,000 uranium enrichment centrifuges at its underground facility in Natanz.