For millennia, Iran’s leaders have seen a powerful military as the major guarantor of the country’s independence. In this context, self-reliance has been considered the best strategy for providing the armed forces with the space to act as an independent arm of the state and for defending the nation’s interests overseas. The chapter examines the evolution of Iran’s military–industrial complex from the early twentieth century to the present. The analysis suggests that the Islamic Republic has successfully established itself as a major manufacturer of arms in the Global South. Iran’s long experience with strategic isolation has further fueled the momentum for self-reliance in defense. Essentially, Tehran has no other option but to develop indigenous military capabilities.