LONDON (P.I.N.) -- BAe Systems has been lobbying the British government to sell aircraft systems to Iran. British parliamentarians said BAe, the largest defense contractor in the country, has been arguing for export licenses to sell aerospace systems for what the company has termed as civil aircraft projects in Iran.

The parliamentarians said this would include aircraft platforms, engines and other equipment meant to refurbish Iran's civil aerospace sector.

The British government has provided export licenses to companies to sell components for Iranian aircraft engines. London has also allowed the export of beryllium, a lightweight metal that is used in nuclear programs.

Rolf Rue, BAe's managing director for new strategic markets, told the London-based Independent daily, that the company has identified Iran as an emerging market and has been discussing a sale of civilian aircraft equipment. Rue said he envisions that Iran will also be a military client of BAe.