TEHRAN – Iran’s Defense Minister, Brigadier General Mohammad-Reza Ashtiani, has announced the initiation of homegrown helicopter production within the country.

Ashtiani shared this development during a press briefing on the sidelines of a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, revealing Iran’s ongoing efforts in building helicopters locally, with the work being carried out at the Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industrial Company (HESA).

In addition to the helicopter initiative, Ashtiani addressed the replacement of G3 rifles with the newly developed Masaf rifles. He emphasized that Masaf is an advanced weapon crafted by the Ministry of Defense, and units requiring it will be equipped with these rifles progressively.

Regarding the Yasin jet trainers, Brigadier General Ashtiani highlighted their significance in compensating for gaps in the training process. Yasin, being one of the most advanced training jets, is versatile enough to conduct combat missions and various tactical aerial warfare actions, including close air support (CAS) for air-to-ground operations against hostile targets near friendly forces.

In response to inquiries about homegrown hypersonic ballistic missiles, Ashtiani clarified that the Ministry of Defense is actively engaged in upgrading systems, exploring new options, and defining new systems. These endeavors will be gradually revealed, signifying ongoing tasks within the ministry.

Over the past few years, Iranian military experts and engineers have made significant strides in creating a wide range of homegrown equipment, fostering self-sufficiency within the armed forces.

Officials in Iran have consistently stressed the necessity of boosting the nation's military capabilities, especially in missile technology, to strengthen defense capabilities. They have explicitly asserted that negotiations will never jeopardize the non-negotiable defense capabilities of the country.

MAS