Iran has appointed Mehrdad Akhlaghi as its new tech-focused defence minister, placing a veteran specialist with deep expertise in military hardware at the head of the country's defence establishment, according to reporting by Al Jazeera.
Akhlaghi brings more than four decades of service to the post, arriving at a time when the Islamic Republic continues to emphasize technological advancement and domestic arms production. His career spans extensive leadership within Iran's military and aerospace sectors.
Decades of Missile Program Expertise
According to reporting by NDTV, the incoming defence minister holds 42 years of military experience and has established a reputation as a prominent missiles expert. Over several decades, Akhlaghi contributed directly to the development and operational capacity of the nation's strategic arsenal.
His technical background aligns closely with Tehran's ongoing efforts to modernize its armed forces through homegrown research, advanced engineering, and domestic production lines, reducing dependence on foreign military suppliers.
Role in Revolutionary Guard Capabilities
Akhlaghi's longstanding role as an architect of missile capabilities within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps highlights his central position in shaping Tehran's modern deterrence strategy, according to Iran International. His transition to the top ministerial role signals continued institutional continuity between the Revolutionary Guard's technical programs and the formal defence ministry.
In his new post, Akhlaghi is tasked with overseeing the administrative, industrial, and research facilities that support Iran's broader military apparatus, prioritizing technology-driven defence initiatives across the armed forces.
