TEHRAN - Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi underlined on Saturday that the country's defense doctrine is based on effective deterrence.

 

"Iran's defense doctrine is based on effective deterrence and the Islamic Republic is in pursuit of no goal but durable peace and security in the region," Vahidi said in a ceremony in which 5 home-made Saeqeh (Thunderbolt) fighter jets staged a successful test-fly to join the Iranian Air Force fleet.

He made the remarks in reference to the statements by Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei last week who said aliens acknowledge the power of the Iranian nation in a bid to push ahead with their Iranophobia project in the region and the world.

"The bullying powers of the world will fail in implementing their Iranophobia project as the Islamic Republic's national power is not a threat to the nations, rather it is viewed as a symbol of progress and glory for the nations," Ayatollah Khamenei added.

Elsewhere, Vahidi reminded that Iran's defense budget is the least in the region and that the Iranian armed forces rely on domestic capabilities and technology to defend the country in a bid to avoid arms race in the region.

Later in the day, the five Saeqeh fighter jets joined the Air Force fleet after they were tested in a ceremony in Isfahan attended by Commander of the Iranian Army Major General Ataollah Salehi, Iran's Defense Minister Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi, Commander of the Iranian Army Air Force General Hassan Shah Safi and other high-ranking commanders of the Air Force.

Iran displayed the first squadron of Saeqeh (Thunderbolt) fighter jets produced by its defense industries in an air show staged during military parades at the beginning of the Week of Sacred Defense in late September.

 

 

Source: FNA

October 10, 09