“We have prepared the grounds and attained the technology in order to join the international aerospace club,” Maleki told reporters visiting the AIO headquarters.
The AIO is affiliated to the Defense Ministry.
Emphasizing that the country’s defense policy is based on deterrence, he said, “The promotion of national might is the best tool for deterrence and one of the things that can demonstrate national might is access to superior technology.”
Achievements in the aerospace industry can demonstrate the country’s superior technology in the best way and for this purpose Iran founded the Aerospace Industry Organization, he added.
He went on to say that Iran would launch a low-orbit satellite next year.
The satellite launch is extremely important because it will demonstrate Iran’s capabilities, he pointed out.
Ten countries have satellites in space but most do not possess the technology to launch and maintain them, he observed.
However, Iran will rely on indigenous expertise to launch and maintain its satellites, Maleki said in conclusion.
MS/HG
End
MNA