Minister Reiterates Iran's Self-Reliance in Producing Defense Equipment

TEHRAN (FNA)- Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi stressed that the country's defense experts are capable of producing most needed military tools and equipment.

"Our progress in the field of defense has been very remarkable and our country has a fully self-reliant defense, and there are only two world countries which have a self-reliant defense," Vahidi told reporters in Tehran on Sunday.

"Iran has been able to produce its defensive products and systems" and Iran stands among the first 10 countries of the world in producing certain military systems and tools, he said.

In December, Vahidi unveiled 20 important projects in energy, nanotechnology, microelectronic, optic, laser, missile and naval fields.

He also unveiled 21 new home-made achievements and projects in defensive and technological fields in February.

The projects were unveiled on the occasion of the Ten-Day Dawn, celebrating the victor of the Islamic Revolution back in 1979.

Speaking to reporters at the time, Vahidi said that nine production lines have been inaugurated, which include those for advanced laser-guided systems of a cannon type, guiding systems of an anti-armor missile, a warning apparatus of a laser defense system meant to protect sensitive and important areas in the country, three advanced radars and a powerful microwave lamp.

He added that eight other products including thermal cameras, laser systems, air-defense, and electronic communications for submarines were delivered to Iran's Armed Forces.

Iran has also taken wide strides in designing and manufacturing different types of light, semi-heavy and heavy weapons, military tools and equipment. Tehran launched an arms development program during the 1980-88 Iraqi imposed war on Iran to compensate for a US weapons embargo.

Since 1992, Iran has produced its own tanks, armored personnel carriers, missiles and fighter planes.

Yet, Iranian officials have always stressed that the country's military and arms programs serve defensive purposes and should not be perceived as a threat to any other country.