TEHRAN, Aug. 16 (MNA) – Iranian defense minister has said Iran plans to be among the five top countries, which possess the most advanced defensive technologies. 

Ahmad Vahidi said that Iran has made great progress in the area of defense over the past few years, thanks to participation of the private sector.

And the Defense Ministry in cooperation with the private sector will continue to make further progress in the future, he added.

“Today, participating in promoting the defensive capability to counter threats and dispel dangers, is a national and religious duty,” he stated.

New defensive projects will start on the Defense Industry Day (Aug. 22), Brigadier General Mahmoud Sajedifar of the Defense Ministry said on Tuesday.

Sajedifar also said Iran could only manufacture small arms and weapons before the Islamic Revolution and only the U.S. provided maintenance services for Iran’s military equipment.

However, after the Islamic Revolution Iran has gained self-sufficiency in both manufacturing and maintaining military machines.