Iran to Push for Advanced Defense Technologies in Coming Year - Hatami

By Staff, Agencies

Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami said obtaining advanced and modern military technologies is high on agenda in the next Iranian year.

Speaking at a meeting of military commanders on Wednesday, Brigadier General Hatami said the Defense Ministry’s strategy in the New Year [Nowruz], which will begin on Friday, will be to acquire advanced and novel technologies proportional to future threats.

“By the continuous acquisition of emerging technologies, we must steer the Armed Forces towards a higher and more advanced level in the offense and defense fields, and upgrade their power in carrying out the necessary and diverse tactics with our technical measures,” Hatami said.

The Defense Ministry is going to play a more active role in the country in the coming year, he added.

General Hatami further stated that the Defense Ministry will continue to provide its technical know-how and capabilities for other sectors of the country, such as the oil, automotive and aviation industries.

In remarks in February, Leader of the Islamic Revolution His Eminence Imam Sayyed Ali Khamenei stressed the need to build up the country’s military power to prevent a war and counter threats.

Being weak will encourage the enemy to take action against Iran, Imam Khamenei warned, adding, “In order for a war not to break out and for threats to finish, one must get strong.”

Imam Khamenei said vigilant performance of the Iranian officials would turn threats into opportunities, adding that sanctions could end the country’s dependence on oil incomes and help settle many problems.