Gov't Obliged to Bolster Defense Power

The Iranian Parliament has approved a bill obliging the government to enhance the country's defense power in line with national interests and security. The legislation was approved with 173 votes in favor, 10 votes against and 6 abstentions during an open parliamentary session on Monday, Press TV reported. The bill, which is part of the sixth national economic development plan (2016-21), requires that the government strengthen the country's defense capabilities by boosting missile production and expanding air defense at short-, medium- and long-range levels. The legislation calls for the development and modernization of secure, sustainable and interactive communications networks that employ cutting-edge technologies to fully deploy command and control systems. The bill also stresses the need for the development of electronic warfare and cyber defense capabilities. It attaches importance to the research, design and production of military hardware needed to counter terrorist groups.