August 21, 2012 - 17:29 AMT
Iran reports 21% defense industry growth in 2012

Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi announced Tuesday, Aug 21 that the number of military products manufactured by the Iranian Defense Ministry has witnessed a 21% growth in 2012.

Addressing a ceremony on the occasion of the National Day of the Defense Industry, Vahidi said that defense products in Iran are “unique in terms of quantity and variety, irrespective of all the pressures and restrictions imposed against Iran in the global market.”

"We registered a 21% growth in production, 178% increase in technology and inventions, 286% growth in academic projects and a 138% boost in the number of the industrial projects which have been accomplished," Vahidi said.

Earlier in the day, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad unveiled new achievements in Iran's defense industry, including the fourth generation of Fateh 110 missile, Bonian 4 marine engine, Armita space test laboratory, Aras tactical vehicle, Vafa mortar-launcher, and Shahed navigation system.