SHIRAZ, Iran, Feb. 5 (UPI) -- Iran began operations Tuesday at a production facility manufacturing advanced radar and electronic war equipment, a minister said.

The Iranian Defense Minister, Brig. Gen. Mostafa Mohammad-Najjar, said the project is part of an effort to develop a self-sustained defense industry in the face of international sanctions and Western pressure, Iran's official Press TV said Tuesday.

The production facility is affiliated under the state-run Shiraz Electronics Industry in the southern region of Iran.

Najjar praised the efforts of Iranian engineers in developing domestic technology needed for a self-sufficient defense program.