Iran self-sufficient in defense sector: Navy cmdr.

Iran’s Navy Commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari says the country has reached self-sufficiency in the defense sector and can now meet its defense demands.

“Since the beginning of the Islamic Revolution, we have learned not to ask for help from other countries and stand on our own feet in meeting our demands,” Sayyari said on Wednesday.

“Thanks to the Islamic Revolution, Iran has acquired the know-how to build submarines. No one believed that we would reach a point where we would build destroyers capable of carrying helicopters and missiles in the Sea of Oman and oceans… because it’s a very difficult task to build destroyers and submarines,” he added.

He went on to say that the Iranian Defense Ministry is now capable of meeting the defense demands of the country, especially for the Navy.

Sayyari made the remarks in a ceremony to launch two upgraded versions of the indigenously-built Ghadir-class light submarine and two overhauled hovercrafts.

The Ghadir submarine was first unveiled in 2007. The 120-ton vessel has excellent shallow-depth performance, and can carry out long-term coastal missions.

Along with submarines, Iran also unveiled the main structure of the Sina 7 missile-launching frigate.

In recent years, Iran has made great achievements in the defense sector and attained self-sufficiency in essential military equipment and systems.

The Islamic Republic has so far launched different classes of advanced submarines including Fateh, Ghadir, Qaem and Nahang.

Iran has repeatedly assured other nations, especially its neighbors, that its military might poses no threat to other countries, insisting that its defense doctrine is based on deterrence.