Iran can export homemade military gear at will, military chief says

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
27 Aug 2023 19:30

Iran underlines that it is capable of selling and exporting military equipment whenever it wishes in light of its heightened production capabilities.

Iran's domestically built drone, Mohajer-10, is displayed in an exhibition in a military compound belonging to the Defense Ministry, in Tehran, Iran, August 23, 2023 (AP)

Iranian Air Defense Force commander Brigadier General Alireza Sabahi-Fard has announced substantial advancements in the nation's drone production capabilities, asserting that the country is now poised to export its domestically manufactured defense equipment to other countries.

Addressing reporters on Sunday, Sabahi-Fard emphasized that Iran's prowess in the production of defense equipment has reached a level where the nation can confidently offer its products to international buyers.

This comes after Iranian Defense Ministry spokesperson Brig. Gen. Reza Talaei-Nik revealed that numerous Western countries approached the Iranian military department with a desire to acquire Iranian combat drones, Iranian news agency Tasnim reported on Saturday.

"Our drones have many customers and many countries request to buy drones from us," Talaei-Nik pointed out.

The Brigadier General indicated that Iran is ready to export drones after its domestic needs are met, the news agency reported, explaining that Tehran will send drones if "political and security considerations" do not apply to a potential customer and there is confidence that the drones will not be intended for inappropriate use.

Iran stands as a dominant force in the realm of air defense within the region, bolstered by its possession of cutting-edge and world-class defense technologies.

Highlighting Iran's excellence in electronic warfare, Sabahi-Fard underlined the country's remarkable progress in recent years, a development instigated by an order from the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei.

Discussing Iran's accomplishments in drone production, the commander stressed that Tehran has "embarked on initiatives that remain undisclosed to adversaries."

He further revealed that only a fraction of Iran's military capabilities has been unveiled, and these already-publicized achievements have left adversaries stunned.

In June, the Air Defense Force unveiled plans to manufacture advanced long-range military equipment as a preemptive measure to counter potential threats. Over the years, Iranian military experts and technicians have achieved significant self-sufficiency by successfully producing a diverse array of indigenous military equipment, solidifying the nation's capabilities.

The international stage has witnessed a growing demand for Iranian military products, indicative of the quality and reliability of the nation's homegrown equipment.

Iran has consistently emphasized that its military endeavors are solely focused on strengthening its defensive capabilities. Officials have reiterated that Iran remains prepared to reinforce its military strength, but with an unwavering commitment to defensive purposes.

Earlier in the week, Iran unveiled its Mohajer-10 drone as part of the Defense Industry Day celebration. The domestically-produced drone was showcased in Tehran during an event attended by President Ebrahim Raisi.

The Mohajer-10 drone boasts a maximum flight duration of 24 hours at an altitude of 7,000 meters. It can carry up to 450 liters of fuel and accommodate cargo weighing up to 300 kilograms.

Furnished with electronic warfare and intelligence systems, this unmanned aerial vehicle can achieve a maximum speed of 210 kilometers per hour and is capable of transporting various types of ammunition and bombs.

It is noteworthy that after its unveiling, Israeli media expressed fear within the Israeli occupation entity as the new Iranian drone could cover "all of Israel", having a range of 2,000 kilometers.

Talaei-Nik affirmed in an exclusive interview for Al Mayadeen that Tehran has become among the top 10 countries in the world in terms of defense industry technology.