Iran reports 86 percent increase in defense exports

NICOSIA — Iran reports a huge increase in defense exports. Iranian officials said defense exports last year increased by 86 percent over 1999. The figure was 18 percent higher than had been forecast by the Defense Ministry.

Mohammad Beig Mohammadlou, a senior Defense Ministry official, said Iran has exported weapons to more than 24 countries. Mohammadlou would not provide figures or name Iran's clients.

The official was quoted by the official Islamic Republic News Agency as saying that Iran's state-owned defense industries issued more than 39 new products in 2000. Mohammadlou did not elaborate.

Iran has announced that its armed forces have developed mini-submarines, artillery, missiles and other weaponry for export. Iran participates in many major defense exhibition.

The defense official said Iran expects another increase in exports for this year. Mohammadlou cited what he described as the high quality and low price of Iranian weaponry.