‘Iran producing maritime patrol aircraft’

Iran’s Defense Minister Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi says the Islamic Republic is manufacturing maritime patrol aircraft.

“This product which is currently being produced by the defense industry can be widely used in the military sector and maritime patrol and we hope we can introduce it to the armed forces in the near future,” Vahidi said on Saturday.

The aircraft, which is equipped with optical and radar subsystems and is capable of operating for long durations, can be used in [maritime] patrol roles, Iran’s defense minister told Mehr News Agency.

“The products manufactured in the country’s defense industry are varied. In the electronic and electro-optic fields, we have many products, some of which have been unveiled and the rest are close to unveiling,” he added.

Vahidi went on to say that the Islamic Republic also has new missile and space-related programs on its agenda.

Iran has achieved numerous breakthroughs in the defense sector and reached self-sufficiency in producing various types of military equipment and systems.

Iran has repeatedly stated that its military achievements pose no threat to other countries as Tehran’s defense doctrine is based on deterrence.