TEHRAN – Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Ashtiani has announced that Iran's export of military products and services has tripled over the past 33 months. 

Speaking at a cabinet session on Sunday, Ashtiani highlighted the significant defense achievements made during President Ebrahim Raisi’s administration.

Ashtiani reported substantial growth in the country's defense sector, noting that in most performance indicators, Iran witnessed an "enormous increase" over the specified period. He emphasized that the production of weapons, defense equipment, and services to the Armed Forces has increased by 2.5 times.

Highlighting key achievements, Ashtiani pointed to the successful launch of the Simorgh (Phoenix) satellite carrier, which placed three satellites into orbit simultaneously. Additionally, he noted the launch of the "Zoljanah" research satellite carrier and the "Saman" orbital transmission system with a sub-orbital space probe. The defense minister also mentioned the design and manufacturing of the Khorramshahr 4 and Abu Mahdi missiles and the enhancement of missile pinpointing capabilities.

Among other accomplishments, Ashtiani listed the development of the Khordad 15 surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems, the successful testing of the domestically-manufactured Mersad and Arman defense systems, and the design and production of the Mohajer 10 strategic drone. He also mentioned the first successful flight test of the Simorgh transport aircraft, the Yasin training jet aircraft, and the completion and launch of the Dana destroyer.

The defense minister also highlighted advancements in detection and identification systems, as well as improvements in targeting low-altitude threats and cruise missiles. Ashtiani praised Iranian military experts and engineers for their breakthroughs in manufacturing a wide range of indigenous equipment, making the armed forces self-sufficient.

Iranian officials have consistently emphasized the importance of strengthening the country’s military capabilities for defense purposes. They have asserted that Iran's defense capabilities are non-negotiable and will continue to be bolstered.

Despite years of sanctions on Iran’s military sector, the country has preserved and reached unprecedented heights. It even got to step foot on the sea and have a naval fleet wrap up a round-the-world 236-day trip in May. It is undeniable that Iran has successfully fulfilled its long-lasting aspiration, which emerged after Iraq’s war against Iran, to establish a powerful military and secure a prosperous future through deterrence. 

Iran has also entered a market that has for decades been reserved for Western countries.