TEHRAN, Sept. 28 (UPI) -- The Iranian Defense Ministry announced Monday it has inaugurated three defense projects for the manufacture of dual-use propellants.
Iranian Defense Minister Ahmad Vahidi launched three ammunition production lines for micronized aluminum powder, double-based smokeless powders and high-density nitroguanidine, Iran's Press TV reports.
Vahidi said the projects would boost the Iranian defense capability in a self-sufficient manner, stressing the Islamic republic was undeterred by the actions of its enemies.
The aluminum powder, he said, has military and construction uses, while the nitroguanidine is used as a propellant for automotive airbags.
"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 added.
Iran launched a series of military displays in recent days in celebration of Sacred Defense Week, an event intended to mark the anniversary of the Iran-Iran war that broke out in the 1980s.
Iran on Monday test fired its long-range Shahab-3 and Sajjil missiles as part of a planned military exercise dubbed The Great Prophet IV.
Sacred Defense Week coincides with renewed concerns over the intent of Iran's controversial nuclear program following the revelation it was working on enrichment technology at a previously undisclosed site.
