Tasnim� Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Hossein Dehqan hailed the country�s self-sufficiency in the defense sector, saying that the Islamic Republic ranks among the world�s top three countries in the field of aerospace technology.

�The Islamic Republic of Iran is completely self-sufficient in the defense sector thanks to efforts made by all officials, the revolutionary people, and the Leader of the Islamic Revolution,� General Dehqan said Thursday during a visit to the northern city of Rasht.

He added that the Islamic Republic is now among the top three countries of the world in the field of aerospace technology.

The Iranian defense minister further highlighted the country�s progress in the field of marine science, saying Iran now exports engineering and technical services to other countries.

On Sunday, an exhibition of the Defense Ministry�s recent achievements was held in Tehran with President Hassan Rouhani in attendance.

Various military hardware, including Bavar-373 long-range air defense missile system, which has been designed and manufactured by Iranian experts, was put on display during the exhibition.

Iranian military technicians have in recent years made great headways in manufacturing a broad range of indigenous equipment, making the armed forces self-sufficient in the arms sphere.

Tehran has always assured other nations that its military might poses no threat to regional countries, saying that the Islamic Republic�s defense doctrine is entirely based on deterrence.