Iran capable of exporting military equipment: General

On Sunday, Iranian Navy Commander Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari highlighted Iran’s know-how to manufacture a wide range of military equipment and expressed the country’s preparedness to export its products to the naval forces of other countries.
 
The Iranian commander also said domestically-manufactured Fateh (conqueror) as well as Damavand destroyer are slated to join the Navy in the near future.
 
    “As we managed to build such destroyers and submarines, we also possess the ability to manufacture aircraft carriers and heavy submarines,” he stated, adding, “In our country, academic centers, knowledge-based companies and industries join hands and create high capabilities.”
 
In recent years, Iran has made major breakthroughs in its defense sector and attained self-sufficiency in producing important military equipment and systems.
 
Iran has so far launched different classes of home-made advanced submarines including Fateh, Ghadir, Qaem, Nahang, Tareq and Sina.
 
    The top commander further reaffirmed Iran’s determination to expand its naval presence in the high seas and noted, “The Navy has so far escorted 2,000 commercial vessels, engaged in over 150 battles with pirates and assisted 22 commercial ships of other countries.”
 
Sayyari also pointed to Iran’s plans to hold more joint naval exercises with neighboring countries such as Oman, adding that the country may stage similar drills with other states, including Russia and China.
 
The Iranian Navy has been conducting anti-piracy patrols in the Gulf of Aden since November 2008 to safeguard the vessels involved in maritime trade, especially the ships and oil tankers owned or leased by Iran.