Mehrdad Akhlaghi Ketabchi, a veteran official of Iran’s aerospace and aircraft technology sector, has become the country’s new defence minister. He succeeds Aziz Nasirzadeh, who was killed in US and Israeli attacks.
Iran’s parliament approved Ketabchi’s appointment as defence minister on Sunday (18 October), ending several months of interim leadership at the defence ministry. Majid Ibn al-Reza ran the ministry in the period after Nasirzadeh’s death.
Ketabchi previously headed Iran’s Aerospace Industries Organization. He will now lead the ministry responsible for the country’s defence production and the procurement of military equipment.
The aerospace industry plays a central role in Iran’s defence sector, which covers the development of missiles, space technology and related military capabilities. Ketabchi’s experience in the field therefore carries particular weight in his new post.
As defence minister he will run the country’s defence production system and oversee the procurement of military equipment. No details have yet emerged on which areas he will prioritise.
Putting permanent leadership in place at the defence ministry after months of interim management is an important change for Iran’s defence administration. The new minister takes office amid a range of challenges over regional security and military capability, which gives his appointment added weight.
It is too early to say what changes his appointment will bring to Iran’s defence policy, arms production or military procurement.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report