Iran’s military power ...
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The Shah, however, refused, saying, “We made the mistake of buying them. How can we now complain?” Notably, no other country used jumbo jets as refueling tankers, given the prohibitive costs.
Azarbarzin added, “Each 747 cost $150 million, but the Shah’s government paid $40 million apiece to have them converted. When we asked US advisers for manuals on how to operate the tankers, they laughed, saying no such manuals existed – because even the US military didn’t have such aircraft.”
Today, the contrast is stark. Thanks to the knowledge and determination of its young scientists, Iran has made tangible advances in defense, reaching a high level of deterrence. Despite decades of sanctions – particularly targeting the defense sector – Iran has developed ballistic and cruise missiles, advanced drones, air defense systems, tanks and armored vehicles, and has kept up with the latest global technologies.
Unlike the monarchy, which relied heavily on foreign suppliers, the Islamic Republic is now recognized as a nation that has achieved self-reliance in its defense industry. Its military power no longer depends on outsiders but rests firmly on domestic capabilities.