IRGC says production and delivery of Iran's air defense systems continue

A senior officer of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force has stated that the production and delivery of Iran's air defense systems are continuing without disruption. The remarks were made in an interview with national television, recorded at one of the IRGC's underground bases and aired on Friday. During the interview, for the first time, parts of equipment recovered from US and Israeli drones and a fighter jet intercepted by Iran's indigenous defense systems during the recent war were displayed. Large sections of several US and Israeli drones, including the MQ-9 Reaper, Hermes 900, and Hermes 450, as well as technical equipment from an MQ-9 and the US F-15 fighter jet, were shown in the report.

The officer also confirmed the delivery of new air defense equipment following the US-Israeli war, particularly developments after the ceasefire between Tehran and Washington in June. He said, "Thanks to the measures taken before the war, more than 85 percent of the production infrastructure for air defense systems manufactured by the Aerospace Force’s Self-Sufficiency Jihad Organization was preserved." He added, "Fortunately, there was no disruption in the production or delivery of air defense systems."

The officer further noted that the production rate of some equipment and missiles that proved effective during the war has increased compared with before the start of the third imposed war, referring to the US-Israeli war of aggression on Iran since February 28. He also stated that deliveries to operational units had increased compared with the period before the war.

The interview provided a rare glimpse into the capabilities and resilience of Iran's domestic defense industry. The display of captured equipment underscores the effectiveness of Iran's air defense systems in countering advanced US and Israeli technology. The officer's comments highlight the continuity of production despite the challenges of war, reflecting the strategic preparedness of the IRGC Aerospace Force.

According to Mehr News Agency, the officer's remarks were also reported by Press TV, which quoted him as saying that the production rate of some equipment and missiles has increased. The report added that the delivery of new air defense equipment is part of Iran's ongoing efforts to strengthen its defensive capabilities in the region.