"The research sample of the military drone which has been made by the Air Force was tested ... and the mass production of the drone will begin soon," Shahsafi was quoted as saying.
He also said to reporters in Tehran, "The new drone built on a one-seventh scale will be built before the Sacred Defense Week (anniversary of the beginning of Iran's sacred defense against an 8-year-long war imposed by Iraq from 1980 to 1988) and will be put to new tests." The virtual model of the drone will be presented to the Defense Ministry after different tests in future, Shahsafi added.
In June, Shahsafi announced that Iran has successfully tested a homemade radar-evading unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with bombing capabilities.
Iran has reiterated that its military capability enhancements have defensive and peaceful purposes.
Shahsafi stated that the virtual size of the model UAV, which has passed preliminary tests in Tehran last month will be manufactured for reconnaissance missions, but can also bomb targets and evade radars.
Earlier this month, the Iranian Air Force produced a new training fighter jet named 'Kosar' which is a joint production of the Defense Ministry and the Armed Forces' Aviation Industries.
In June Iran successfully tested a home-made radar-evading Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) with bombing capabilities. Also last year, the country's Defense Industries launched the production lines of two well-known home-made fighter jets, namely Saeqeh (Thunderbolt) and Azarakhsh (Lightening).
The United States and its allies have accused Iran of trying to develop nuclear weapons under the cover of civilian nuclear program.
Iran has denied the U.S. charges and insisted that its nuclear program is for peaceful purpose only.