Defense Official Says Iran Self-Sufficient in Manufacturing Drones, Hails Russia as Strategic Partner

Afshin Khajeh-Fard, who also heads Iran Aviation Industries Organization, made the remarks on Thursday while talking to IRNA at Iran’s pavilion in Russia's international aerospace exhibition, officially known as the International Aviation and Space Salon or MAKS 2021.

“We have made great progress in the area of [manufacturing] drones and we owe these advances to more than four decades of incessant work and indefatigable efforts by our youths,” he said.

“Today, we are self-sufficient in building drones from their fuselage to various subsystems and engines,” the official added.

Khajeh-Fard said, “We have broken considerable grounds with regard to UAV flight ceiling, their precision, automatic takeoff and landing, as well as nocturnal missions.”

The deputy defense minister said the country has displayed only two of its UAV models at this year’s MAKS exhibition, but noted that “our UAV inventory is full with all versions and we have competitive products.”

'We regard Russia as strategic partner'

In response to IRNA's question about Iran's technical and military relations with Russia, Khajeh-Fard said, "We regard Russia as a strategic partner. Our cooperation has taken a very good turn in various aspects.”

The official added, “We have a long history of cooperation with Russia in the aviation industry and we will definitely expand this cooperation. To that end, we have good strategies and plans on the agenda.”

The 15th International Aviation and Space Salon MAKS started on Tuesday with the active presence of the Islamic Republic of Iran and 55 other countries at the Zhukovsky Air Exhibition Complex in eastern Moscow.

The international exhibition, which runs from July 20 to 25, is attended by the Iranian Defense Ministry and 35 knowledge-based companies of the Islamic Republic featuring their latest scientific and technological achievements.

Iran has always had an active and significant presence in the Russia exhibition.