Defense  Minister: No Need for Russian S-400

Date: 06 March 2023 - 22:02

News ID: ۱۱۳۱۶۱

TEHRAN – Defense Minister Brigadier General Muhammad Reza Ashtiani said Monday Iran has gained self-sufficiency in the air defense industry, dismissing speculations about Tehran’s plans to purchase S-400 missile system from Russia.

Addressing a press conference, the defense minister said Iran does not need to buy any other air defense missile system for now, although Tehran maintains high-level relations with Moscow.

He said Iran has attained self-sufficiency in the air defense industry, adding that many countries are now vying to purchase the country’s Bavar-373 air defense missile system.

The minister also touched on Iran’s remarkable progress in building drones, saying several countries are keen to purchase Iranian-made unmanned vehicles.

“Everybody acknowledges that Iran’s drone power is unparalleled and has already been put to test. Therefore, we help some countries to strengthen their defense power with our own considerations.”

General Ashtiani hailed Iran’s “perfect achievements” in developing reconnaissance, combat and stealth drones. He said Iranian experts have even applied artificial intelligence to manned fighter jets that carry out solo sorties or fly in squadrons.

In comments in October 2022, a high-ranking Iranian general said 22 foreign states were interested in purchasing Iranian UAVs.