Iranian military deepens links with auto manufacturers
Iranian companies with close ties to the military will work more closely with local vehicle manufacturers in future, defence minister Brig Gen Hatami has declared.
In remarks reported by state-run media to mark National Defence Industry Day on 16 August, Hatami claimed that contracts worth more than IRR40 trillion ($950 million) have already been signed.
‘The Islamic Republic President Hassan Rouhani has ordered the Ministry of Defence to have an active role in Iran’s vehicle industry,’ Hatami added.
MoD-backed companies are active in the production of automobile parts, although Hatami denied that the ministry will branch out directly into vehicle production.
He added that Iran is looking to export defence materiel, after the UN Security Council voted on 14 August not to extend an international arms embargo on the country.
Hatami repeated the claim, often made by the government, that Iran is more than 90% self-sufficient in terms of defence equipment production, adding: ‘Iran will use all capacities in the world to meet its arms requirements, selling and exporting weapons after sanctions removal.’
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
More from Defence Notes
-
From systems integrator to multi-domain solutions provider (video)
Philipp von Brandenstein, Head of Corporate Communications at Rheinmetall, explains how Eurosatory 2026 marked a new stage in the company's evolution.
-
US Pentagon pushes for major reform of defence acquisition system
The US Department of Defense has requested new contracting authorities from Congress, using the Army's MV-75 Cheyenne programme to demonstrate how competition, digital engineering and closer industry collaboration could accelerate acquisitions.
-
US speeds up B61-13 nuclear bomb production as programme moves further ahead of schedule
The US government plans to accelerate production even further after achieving key B61-13 milestones months ahead of schedule, as the programme advances amid growing US-China strategic competition.
-
Canada’s C$2 billion ACSV deal reinforces new defence industrial strategy as allies align
General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada is the country’s first strategic partner under the Defence Industrial Strategy’s Strategic Partnership Framework, an effort to provide companies with confidence to invest and boost the defence labour force.
-
New UK armed forces minister frames High North defence as vital to “homeland security”
The UK’s Minister for the Armed Forces Louise Sandher-Jones made her first appearance in the role before the House of Commons Defence Committee this week to highlight efforts to improve capability in the High North.
-
Canada seeks to strengthen industrial ties with the US on classified programmes
Ottawa explores expanding defence-industrial cooperation with Washington into sensitive programmes, an approach that could reshape NORAD modernisation, strengthen North American supply chains and create new opportunities for defence contractors.