Tasnim � Iran has acquired the expertise to carry out all maintenance and repair work on its naval watercraft, a deputy defense minister said.

Speaking at an open session of the parliament on Tuesday, Deputy Defense Minister General Reza Talaee Nik said none of the country�s naval vessels are sent abroad for repair due to security concerns.

Iranian technicians have the necessary expertise to repair all kinds of naval equipment, he added.

The general also noted that the Defense Industries Organization of Iran has designed 176 vessels, saying Iran is now self-sufficient in the naval industry.

Tehran has made great achievements in the naval industry in recent years. As well as attaining self-sufficiency in the overhaul and maintenance of warships and submarines inside the country, Iran has been successful in manufacturing different types of destroyers and naval missiles.