Defense Industries Organization (DIO)

DEFENSE INDUSTRIES ORGANIZATION is a conglomerate of companies run by the Islamic Republic of Iran whose function is to provide the military of Iran with the necessary manufacturing capacity and technical abilities. In recent years, the DIO has attempted to become export-oriented, allowing Iran to become an exporter of weapons. According to Iranian officials, the country sold $100 million worth of military equipment in 2003 and as of 2006 had exported weapons to 57 countries.

Produces various defense equipment, including:

• Main battle tanks (MBTs),
• Armored personnel vehicles (APVs),
• Guns and gun-howitzers,
• Multi-barrel rocket launchers,
• Anti-tank missile weapon systems,
• Small arms,
• Ammunition from 100 mm up to 203 mm ranges,
• Rifles,
• Machine guns,
• Short-medium-and long-range missiles and rockets,
• Chemical materials,
• Nuclear/biological/chemical (NBC) protection equipment, and
• Fast patrol boats.

Furthermore, the Company develops mines and explosives, including ammonium nitrate, ANFO, powder explosives, dynamite and fuses.

Among its sister organizations are Iran Electronic Industries (Iran Electronics Industries), Aviation Industries Organization (AvIO), and Aerospace Industries Organization (AIO).