Iran opens ammunition production lines

Iran's Defense Ministry has inaugurated three major projects that will go a long way towards raising the self-sufficiency of the Islamic Republic's defense industries.

"Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi launched the three projects at the Defense Industries Organization early this morning," the ministry said in a statement on Monday.

The projects were ammunition production lines for micronized aluminum powder, double-base smokeless powders and high-density nitroguanidine.

While inaugurating the projects, Brig. Gen. Vahidi said that the projects would help provide Iran's defense industries with primary materials, reduce reliance on foreign imports and create new export opportunities for the country.

The minister then went on to give some additional details about each one of the projects.

"The ball powder factory, which has an annual production capacity of 1,200 tons, will help add to Iran's air defense capabilities as well as it deterrence force in defenses against an unbalanced line," he said.

"Other than its uses in manufacturing solid fuel missiles, warheads, detonators and emulates… the micronized aluminum powder will also have its civilian applications in mining and construction.

"The high-density nitroguanidine production line will provide the primary material for the triple-base powder factories," the general said. "This chemical compound will also be put to use for non-military purposes such as production of medicine and airbag gases."

The Iranian defense minister also said the successful inauguration of the three production lines proves that foreign sanctions have not impeded the country's development.