Air Force Commander: Sanctions Led To More Self-Sufficiency

Tehran, Feb 5, IRNA - Iranian Air Force Commander Brigadier General Hassan Shahsafi said on Saturday that sanctions imposed on Iran have prompted the country to attain self-sufficiency in many fields. Speaking at a special ceremony marking the 33rd victory anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, he said such situations have also led to the Iranian Armed Forces making unprecedented achievements in various technical and scientific fields. Iran’s Air Force is ready to neutralize any threat against the country and safeguard its security, he said. Iran pursues a defensive doctrine, has no plan to target any country and invite all regional states to cooperate in maintaining the security of the Middle East region without reliance on foreign forces, he said. Due to sensitivity of the Persian Gulf region in terms of security and energy, he said the Islamic Republic of Iran should have a powerful presence in the region by adopting an independent policy. Iran’s Air Force is geared to maintain and enhance its combat readiness using the most sophisticated offensive and defensive equipment, Shahsafi said. Highlighting Iran’s success and progress, Shahsafi referred to launch of Omid satellite into the orbit and technological know-how on enrichment of uranium as parts of these successes achieved in the wake of sanctions. The Iranian Armed forces should maintain their combat readiness and monitor the movements of enemies in the region to counter any threats. Iranian Air Force is in full combat readiness to defend the country’s airspace as well as its territorial integrity, Shahsafi said./end