Tehran, August 30 (KCNA) -- Iran's Defense Minister Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi said Saturday that the Islamic Republic is manufacturing maritime patrol aircraft, the local satellite Press TV reported.

The aircraft is equipped with optical and radar subsystems and is capable of operating for long durations, the defense minister said.

"This product which is currently being produced by the defense industry can be widely used in the military sector and maritime patrol and we hope we can introduce it to the armed forces in the near future," Vahidi was quoted as saying.