In a message released on Wednesday in commemoration of the National Day of Defense Industry, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Hossein Baqeri described the defense industry as a robust and reliable backing for the Armed Forces in protecting the country’s independence and territorial integrity.
Lauding the local defense sector for gaining self-sufficiency in the production of various modern military equipment, from fighter jets to submarines, the general said the defense industry has become an inspiring model for progress in the other production sectors, especially the economic sector and industry.
The commander also pointed to the US’ humiliating defeat in its bid to extend an arms embargo on Iran, saying the country’s advances in the defense industry have disappointed the archenemies of the Islamic Revolution, above all the criminal US.
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, including its missile power, 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, hitting back at the enemies for disputing the country’s missile program.
“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 at the time.