Iran capable of building aircraft carriers: Sayyari

Tehran, Nov 23, IRNA – Iran is capable of building aircraft carriers, Commander of Iran's naval forces Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari said on Sunday. He made the remarks in an interview with IRNA. The commander noted that the Islamic Republic possesses the know-how for manufacturing aircraft carriers thanks to the capabilities of its experts in the Navy, as well as in the country’s defense industry and universities. Highlighting Iran’s extensive defense expertise, the commander noted, 'Today, we have reached a point where we can build and export any equipment required by the Iranian Navy and naval forces of other countries.' He went on to say that manufacturing of aircraft carriers is not a priority of the Navy at this juncture, however, Commander Sayyari added, Iranian experts are ready to build the vessels cooperating with the domestic scientific centers, if it is deemed necessary by the officials of the Defense Ministry. Sayyari argued that Iran’s defense doctrine differs from those of the colonialist countries and is against the expansionist policies of the hegemonic powers. He added that Iran’s defense strategies aimed at serving the country's national interests. Elsewhere in his remarks, Iran’s Navy commander praised the country’s presence in the international waters noting it plans to enhance its overseas activities in the next Iranian calendar year (starting on March 21, 2015). Iran's Navy has increased its presence in the international waters since last year, deploying vessels in the Indian Ocean as well as dispatching two warships to the Mediterranean Sea for the first time in February 2011 via the Suez Canal./end