Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a scientific conference on ‘Command and Control’ here in Tehran, Dehqan elaborated on defense projects underway at his ministry.
He announced that installing jet engines on drones are on Iran’s agenda since a majority of the home-made drones use piston engines.
In November, Iran unveiled its latest strategic UAV, dubbed the Fotros (Petros or Peter), which is capable of carrying out reconnaissance, patrol and combat missions.
The Fotros pilotless aircraft has been designed and manufactured to accommodate the needs of the country’s armed forces, the minister said.
The strategic drone, with its payload, has an operational range of up to 2,000 kilometers, can fly up to 25000 feet, and is capable of being airborne for up to 30 hours each time.
As regards other defense projects, the defense minister said that Iran has manufactured the Fateh semi-heavy submarine, adding that it has successfully undergone necessary tests and will join the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy after tests are finalized.
In recent years, the Islamic Republic of Iran has made great achievements in its defense sector and has attained self-sufficiency in producing essential military equipment and systems.
Tehran has repeatedly assured other nations that its military might poses no threat to other countries, saying that the Islamic Republic’s defense doctrine is entirely based on deterrence.