Minister of Defense Rear Admiral Ali Shamkhani said here Tuesday that Iran`s Organization of Aerospace Industries was to upgrade its defense capability so as to increase the vulnerability of countries that threaten Iran. In a message on the organization's 6th anniversary on November 3, the minister said it was playing the key role in shaping the country's strategic and defense capability. It will also help Tehran use its defense power to maintain regional stability, he added.

The Organization of Aerospace Industries is instrumental in the designing and production of short-range and medium-range missiles as well as the designing and development of defense systems. It goes without saying, shamkhani said, that national security cannot be maintained without having the necessary strategic and military facilities. "Iran is located in a daunting geo-political environment" said the minister, arguing that with the increasing, international threats to its national security, Iran`s acquisition of a modern defense system is an imperative."