Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the cabinet session on Wednesday, Iranian Defense Minister Mohammad Reza Ashtiani said, "In the field of space next year, we will make good progress and expand the scope of our activities in this regard."

Stating that Iran has achieved self-sufficiency in the field of UAV engine manufacturing, he added, "The export of defense products has increased 4 to 5 times and this trend will increase in the future."

Regarding the country's progress in the field of defense and security, he said, "Iran enjoys a special position in the world in terms of defense authority because the equipment needed by the armed forces are being produced domestically."

Referring to the joint exercises of Iran, China, and Russia in the Indian Ocean, he clarified, "The exercises are held in line with the show of power."

In this exercise, the three major world powers cooperate to maintain stability in the region and the sensitive waterways of the region, he said, adding that the presence of observer countries such as Oman, Pakistan, and the Republic of Azerbaijan shows the importance of these exercises.