"There is no progress in the current problem with the purchase of S-300 missiles from Russia, but we plan to produce this type of missiles ourselves," Iranian Defense Minister Ahmad Vahidi said in an interview with media, reported FARS.
The sale of S-300 missiles is the most sensitive issue in relations between Russia and Iran. Russia signed a contract to sell effective defensive weapons to Iran in 2007. But Russia has not fulfilled the conditions of this contract yet. Iranian officials repeatedly accused Russia of reneging on its commitments.
The last obstacle in fulfilling the conditions of this agreement was the adoption of the resolution on Iran's nuclear program by the UN Security Council. The document bans the sale of heavy weapons to Tehran.
Vahidi said that the Iranian armed forces will be equipped with a large number of 'flying boats' and short-range missiles within Holy Protection Week.
Holy Protection Week is marked in Iran annually in commemoration of the Iran-Iraq war, which began 30 years ago today. Military parades demonstrating military equipment are being held in Tehran and other cities this week.
The Iran-Iraq war began on Sept. 22, 1980 when the Iraqi army attacked the Iranian province of Khuzestan. The war ended by concluding a ceasefire agreement on August 20, 1988. The border between the two countries remained unchanged.