Brigadier General Mohammad Mehdinejad Nouri, deputy chief of science, research, and technology at the General Staff of the Armed Forces, made the remarks on Sunday.
The official highlighted the "most sophisticated" technological advancements that had been developed within the forces, particularly in unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and artificial intelligence.
According to the official, the forces had made groundbreaking strides in defense technology, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence and unmanned systems.
Role of artificial intelligence
Nouri noted that these breakthroughs were integral to enhancing the country’s national power, stressing the necessity of various technologies such as AI, quantum sciences, microelectronics, and digital systems in maintaining countrywide security, PressTV reported.
He, meanwhile, described artificial intelligence as a "critical" technology for the future of Iran’s defense strategy, noting that AI integrated multiple technological fields, which were crucial for responding to modern threats.
To further enhance Iran's defense capabilities, the official emphasized the importance of integrating a range of advanced technologies, including AI, digital systems, quantum technologies, and microelectronics, into a cohesive, intelligent network.
Looking ahead, Nouri asserted that the Islamic Republic’s defense sector would continue to expand its partnerships with universities, research parks, and innovative companies.
“Our foremost priority in the Armed Forces is national security,” Nouri stated. “While economic factors are important, the development of advanced defense technologies is our primary concern.”
‘Growing from zero into unmanned systems exporter’
According to the official, the Islamic Republic began its journey into unmanned aerial systems in 1985, and today, it boasted significant advancements, enabling it to export these technologies.
He pointed out that, over the past two years, the country’s defense sector had invested thousands of dollars into partnerships with academic and technological institutions to push forward a range of projects.
"These collaborations are key to fulfilling the technological needs of our Armed Forces and advancing our national defense strategies," he said.
"We are actively tapping into creative ideas and innovative solutions to ensure that our military remains at the forefront of technological advancements," he said.
These efforts, he remarked, were aligned with the broader vision of enhancing both the country’s national defense and its standing in the international arena.
Nouri further emphasized the growing importance of collaboration between the military and knowledge-based companies in enhancing the country's technological capabilities.
"Our cooperation with universities and knowledge-based companies has been crucial in advancing these technologies," he explained, underscoring that these efforts had already yielded result in the form of enhanced defense capabilities and exportable technologies.
Yemeni drones overpowered expensive US firepower
Separately, the official hailed the Yemeni Armed Forces for their managing to overpower the United States sizable squadrons and sprawling naval fleets, only using inexpensive unnamed aerial vehicle technology.
The UAVs, he said, have proven highly effective against more expensive countermeasures, forcing the US to deploy multi-million-dollar missiles in response.
This underlines the imperative nature of deployment of cost-effective, yet highly advanced, defense technologies, the official stated.
