Speaking to reporters at a press conference in Tehran on Wednesday ahead of the National Navy Day on November 28, Admiral Khanzadi highlighted the Navy’s achievements in producing military equipment and watercraft and said these successes were achieved while the Force has been sanctioned by the US since the victory of the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
“Our defense budget was much lower than that of many countries in the region, but the Navy has progressed,” the commander said.
“In addition to the Sahand destroyer, we will witness the addition of the first submarine called Fateh (Conqueror) to the Navy fleet, which would be a surprise to the enemy,” Admiral Khanzadi added.
Iranian military experts and technicians have in recent years made great headways in manufacturing a broad range of indigenous equipment, making the armed forces self-sufficient in the arms sphere.
Iranian officials have repeatedly underscored that the country will not hesitate to strengthen its military capabilities, which are entirely meant for defense, and that Iran’s defense capabilities will be never subject to negotiations.
Back in February 2018, Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei called for efforts to maintain and boost Iran’s defense capabilities.
“Without a moment of hesitation, the country must move to acquire whatever is necessary for defense, even if the whole world is opposed to it,” Ayatollah Khamenei said on February 18.