Iran expands production of air defenses
Iran is rapidly expanding the production and deployment of home-grown air defense systems after they were tested during the recent conflict with the United States and Israel, according to its air defense chief. Brigadier General Alireza Elhami said locally developed equipment had passed a successful battlefield test and is now being mass-produced for use across the country.
Elhami said the main advantage of indigenous systems is that Iran can modify and improve them without waiting for foreign suppliers. He said full control over software and hardware allows faster upgrades and easier adaptation to new threats, while imported equipment often depends on outside approval and slower technical support.
He also said Iranian-made weapons are built to fit the country’s geography, climate and operational needs, which he described as a major reason they performed well in combat. According to him, this has shown the superiority of domestic systems over foreign counterparts on the battlefield.
The commander said Iran is increasing both the quantity and range of its home-grown weapons while also diversifying the tactics used with them. He framed the effort as part of a long-term move toward military self-sufficiency, especially under sanctions and restrictions on arms imports.
The announcement comes after months of heightened tension and renewed military pressure in the region. Iranian officials have repeatedly highlighted the role of local missiles, drones, ammunition and interception systems in preserving deterrence and sustaining air defense coverage. They have also used the production drive to signal that Iran can continue building and replacing military capabilities even under attack.
