Iran equips patrol boats with missiles
Special to World Tribune.com
MIDDLE EAST NEWSLINE
Wednesday, February 14, 2001
NICOSIA — Iran has deployed missiles on its naval attack boats that
patrol the Gulf.
Officials said this is part of two major projects being pursued by the
Islamic republic over the last month. The other project is the launching of
production of the new military transport plane, Iran-140. The plane is being
built with support from the Ukraine.
Defense Minister Ali Shamkhani said the fast patrol boats will deploy
indigenous missiles. The minister said the project stems from an increased
military budget and a priority set by the Iranian supreme leader Ali
Khamenei.
"Domestic production of the equipment required by the armed forces,
based on the Imam's self-reliant spirit, became an institutional fact in the
armed
forces," Shamkhani said.
In all, officials said, Iran is engaged in 110 military and defense
projects. These include the production of a tank, tank carrier, armored
personnel carrier and anti-tank launchers.
Brig. Gen. Mohammed Ashtiani, deputy ground forces commander, said the
military also plans to establish a helicopter pilot training center.
Wednesday, February 14, 2001
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