Iran to Unveil New Generation of Home-Made Fighter Jet
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – A senior Iranian air force commander announced that the country is producing new generation of its home-made Saeqeh (Thunderbolt) fighter jet, adding that the new aircraft will be unveiled in coming months.
Lieutenant Commander of the Iranian Air Force Brigadier General Alireza Barkhor told the Tasnim News Agency on Sunday that the construction phase of the new aircraft has already been completed.
The commander said the new generation of Saeqeh is a twin-seat fighter jet, adding that the aircraft will be officially unveiled in the next Iranian year (will start on March 21).
“God willing, efforts are underway to have the operational flight of first twin-seat Saeqeh fighter jet on Farvardin 29 (April 18, 2014, also National Army Day),” Barkhor stated.
The twin-seat aircraft means that the fighter jet will have more power, mobility, navigation equipment, fire power, pay load and operational range.
In recent years, Iran has made great achievements in its defense sector and attained self-sufficiency in producing essential military equipment and systems.
Azarakhsh (lightning) is Iran's first domestically-manufactured combat jet.
Saeqeh (Thunderbolt) fighter jet is a follow-up aircraft, derived from Azarakhsh. Iran unveiled its first squadron of Saeqeh fighter-bombers in an air show in 2010.
On February 2, Iran unveiled its latest fighter aircraft, the Qaher-313 (Conqueror-313). The single-seat stealth fighter jet can take off and land on short runways.
Tehran has repeatedly assured other nations that its military might poses no threat to other countries, stating that the Islamic Republic’s defense doctrine is entirely based on deterrence.
