Iran unveils new military achievements, eying foreign markets for arms exports

Tabnak – Although the increasing US sanctions against Iran are partially aimed at curbing the Islamic Republic’s military achievements, the country seems to continue moving toward expanding potentials in the area. Now the Iranian officials even talk about exporting the advanced military equipment made inside Iran.

According to the Iranian media, Iran’s defense minister unveiled three homegrown products and technologies used in the military and civilian aviation industry. Brigadier General Amir Hatami unveiled the achievements at an aviation exhibition on Iran’s southern island of Kish on Monday.

One of them was the lap joint technology, developed by local experts and used in the aviation industry and other industries.

One of the products unveiled by the defense minister was a Bell 212 helicopter adapted for air medical service. The air ambulance can carry patients and medical equipment, including several stretchers and CPR systems.

The other product developed by the Iranian military experts was the combustion chamber of engine of Fokker 100 airliner.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Navy commander says the force is to join three destroyers to its northern and southern armadas in a matter of four months. Rear Admiral Hossein Khanzadi named the vessels as Sahand, Damavand, and Dena, saying they would be joining the Navy’s fleets in the same order, IRNA reported on Sunday.

The commander said the first and third vessels would be joining the fleet deployed to the country’s southern waters, while the second one is earmarked for the Northern Fleet.

Sahand, which can carry anti-mine helicopters, would join the Southern Fleet this week on the occasion of the Navy Day. “Today, Sahand has been nominated for a big mission,” he added without elaborating.

Damavand, he added, is to hit the water following an overhaul necessitated by an accident last year. The revamped destroyer now enjoys improved propulsion, stability, and maneuvering capability.

Dena was to enter service last and was currently being armed and equipped, Khanzadi said.

It is also reported that Iran is ready to export domestically built fighter jets after showcasing them to potential buyers during an upcoming air show on Kish Island.

Brigadier General Abdoklarim Banitarafi, head of Iran Aviation Industries Organization (IAIO), made the announcement on Monday, before the air show’s opening ceremony.

“We have already taken the necessary steps to export products that we are authorized to sell,” he told reporters, noting that Tehran will resume selling trainer jets as well.

Iran unveiled its first domestically designed and manufactured fighter jet named “Kowsar” during a defense show in Tehran in August. The fourth-generation Iranian fighter jet is equipped with “advanced avionics and fire control systems” and can be used for short aerial support missions.

The plane can be manufactured in both single- and double-cockpit types, the latter of which can be used for advanced pilot training missions in addition to its combat capability, according to Fars news agency.