Iran has officially unveiled a domestically designed and manufactured hovercraft named Tondar (lightening), becoming the fifth country in the world to possess the know-how.

The hovercraft, manufactured in two combat and logistic models, was unveiled in a Monday ceremony attended by Iran's Defense Minister Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi in the Iranian southern port city of Bandar Abbas.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran is among the five countries possessing this technology and it is able to meet [the country's] domestic and exports-related needs through its various designs," Vahidi pointed out.

The defense minister noted that different types of Iranian military products, including missiles, artillery, and unmanned aerial vehicles can be installed and
used on the hovercraft.

"Mass production of this hovercraft will considerably boost the operational capability of the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy."

The Iranian minister mentioned coastal patrols, conducting offensive and defensive reconnaissance operations, taking part in asymmetrical defense operations, carrying personnel and equipment to support Iranian islands and coastal areas, operating as sea ambulance, and taking part in relief operations as the main functions of the hovercraft.

Apart from meeting military needs, the hovercraft can also carry passengers and cargo in the areas without docks, help Iran Red Crescent Society with relief operations in flood-hit areas, control fishing vessels, transport staff and equipment of offshore companies and help with both onshore and offshore environmental studies.

Iran started a self-sufficiency campaign in the defense industry and launched numerous military projects soon after the victory of the Islamic Revolution.
The Islamic Republic has repeatedly made clear that its military might is merely based on the nation's defense doctrine of deterrence and poses no threat to other countries.


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