Europe eyes purchase of Iranian-made drones: Military official

An Iranian military official says many Western countries have asked to purchase Iran’s unmanned aerial vehicles.

The spokesperson for Iran's Defense Ministry, Brigadier General Reza Talaei-Nik, told Tasnim news agency on Saturday that there is a profusion of potential customers for the Iranian-manufactured military drones.

He said Iran is prepared to export military drones after taking their production capacity and domestic needs into consideration.

Iran is ready to export its UAVs provided that “political and security considerations” do not apply to any customer and the country makes sure that its drones will not be intended for inappropriate use, Talaei-Nik emphasized.

The Iranian official, however, did not give the name of the Western and European countries because they wish to remain anonymous.

Back in September, Commander of Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters Major General Gholam-Ali Rashid lauded the Islamic Republic’s outstanding drone power, saying, “Iran is now undoubtedly among the world's top three drone powers."

Iranian military experts and technicians have in recent years made substantial headway in manufacturing a broad range of indigenous equipment, making the Armed Forces self-sufficient.

Homegrown Iranian military products have also found many clients in the world.

Iranian officials have repeatedly warned that the country will not hesitate to strengthen its military capabilities, which are entirely meant for defense.

In a recent interview, Talaei-Nik said Iran is among the top 10 countries in the world in terms of defense industry technology.

The Defense Ministry spokesman added that Iran was able, in 45 years, to "transform from an importer of weapons to a country that manufactures about 90% of its military needs."

No military transaction with Russia canceled

In his Saturday interview, Brigadier General Talaei-Nik said the arms supply contracts usually take time, emphasizing that none of the transactions that Iran has had with other countries, such as Russia, have been canceled.

"The financial provision and exchange of the contract must be done… within the framework of legal and international regulations."

ME