TEHRAN -- The head of the Iran Aviation Industries Organization (IAIO) has highlighted the country’s self-reliance in manufacturing military equipment, including drones, saying many countries want to purchase the Iranian defense products.
Speaking at the AJA University of Command and Staff, Brigadier General Afshin Khajeh Fard hailed the achievements made in the field of producing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and manned drones with fixed and moving wings.
“At first, we tried to purchase equipment, but we did not succeed due to Western sanctions. Today, however, we have reached the capability to receive numerous requests from different countries for purchase and cooperation,” he said.
“Unfortunately, the trust in domestic products is still low in our society, but the numerous requests for the purchase of equipment, as well as unmanned and manned drones, indicate the high status of this capability. Therefore, we should increase the domestic power and upgrade our beliefs.”
The general also noted that the IAIO has managed to keep the country’s helicopter, commercial and fighter fleets ready for use despite wholesale sanctions targeting the defense sector.
“Many countries meet their needs by purchasing the most advanced equipment and fighter jets, but we face extensive restrictions in procuring the equipment due to sanctions and pressure,” he added.