The Iranian army announced Saturday, August 11, that it had successfully tested prototypes of the first helicopters entirely designed and built in Iran, state radio reported.
During an official ceremony, Defense Minister Ali Shamkhani watched the flight of three of the helicopters which are meant to be used in "civilian transport and military logistics missions", radio said.
Iran, which has since the 1979 Islamic revolution been under a western embargo for any advanced and military technology transfers, is seeking to modernize its armed forces.
Tehran claims it has reached self-sufficiency for the construction for most military equipment and arms, including certain types of missiles. ― (AFP, Tehran)
© Agence France Presse 2001
© 2001 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
