Iranian DM Unveils Special Line to Upgrade Tanks

Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami unveiled a special line to upgrade and optimize the tanks used by the country’s Armed Forces on Thursday.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony in the Western province of Lorestan, General Hatami said that overhauling and upgrading military and defense weapons requires up-to-date know-how.

He added that the defense ministry relies on domestic capabilities to strengthen Iran’s military power.

General Hatami also expressed the hope that the experts of the defense ministry will be able to upgrade all the operational tanks of the Armed Forces, saying that Iran is currently capable of manufacturing tanks equipped with the electro-optical fire control system, laser rangefinder system, ballistic computer, and a system to fire at fixed and moving targets at day and night.

He also referred to the achievements of the defense ministry in recent years, and noted that the equipment made by the Iranian experts must be upgraded in accordance with the needs of the Armed Forces in the battlefields.

The Iranian experts have been able to produce most of the needs of the country’s Armed Forces.

In relevant remarks last Tuesday, Deputy Commander of the Iranian Army’s Ground Force Brigadier General Amir Nozar Nemati lauded the country’s young experts for building ultra-heavy tank transporters.

“Today, we have been able to attain self-sufficiency in production of ultra-heavy tank transporters and stop dependence (on foreign states) with efforts of the faithful and specialized youth,” General Nemati said.

He added that the country’s experts could end the foreign states’ monopoly by manufacturing the ultra-heavy tank transporters, stressing that the Army’s Ground Force is now able to build any defensive tools it needs.

Last November, Iran unveiled a new home-made tank transporter named ‘Kian 700’ in a ceremony participated by Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Hossein Baqeri.

The tank transporter has been manufactured by the Army’s Ground Force experts and enjoys 700/hp engine power and 200 tons of tensile strength.

It is also able to carry two 60-ton tanks on the ultra-heavy home-made ‘Soleiman 3’ towing vehicle.

Kian 700 weighs 17,799kg and runs in 12 gears.