Iranian Defense Technology Challenged Patriot and THAAD Systems, Defense Chief Says

Iranian Defense Technology Challenged Patriot and THAAD Systems, Defense Chief Says

WANA (Sep 17) – Iran’s acting defense minister said the experience of the recent war showed that U.S. Patriot and THAAD air defense systems, as well as Tomahawk missiles, faced challenges when confronted with Iran’s advanced missile and drone technology.

Brig. Gen. Seyed Majid Ebnolreza made the remarks during a meeting with women working in Iran’s defense industry, where he said the country’s progress in defense capabilities was the result of policies focused on deterrence, self-reliance, innovation and strengthening national defense capabilities, along with the efforts of scientists, engineers and Defense Ministry personnel.

Ebnolreza highlighted the role of women in the defense industry, saying women, who make up half of the country’s human resources, play an important role in scientific, technological, managerial and developmental fields and that the future of Iran’s defense industry cannot be envisioned without their active participation.

Referring to the experience of the recent war, the acting defense minister said U.S. military forces had previously relied heavily on their military capabilities, but “the reality on the battlefield” showed that Patriot and THAAD systems and Tomahawk missiles faced challenges against Iran’s advanced missile and drone technologies.

He added that Iran’s deterrence capabilities were being strengthened through the work of scientists, researchers and young engineers and the development of new-generation defense systems.

Ebnolreza also announced plans by the Defense Ministry to attract, retain and empower talented women, including measures to improve working environments, build networks among female specialists, provide management training and enhance organizational skills.

He stressed that women’s professional and scientific roles should be accompanied by attention to their roles within the family, adding that the Defense Ministry was seeking to create better opportunities for women to contribute to the defense technology and innovation ecosystem.

The acting defense minister said the defense industry’s mission today was to develop new technologies, strengthen deterrence capabilities and advance the country’s position at the forefront of scientific and technological development. He added that Iran would draw on all of its human resources, particularly talented and specialized women, in pursuing these goals.