Iran Air Force Developing New Training Aircraft
TEHRAN (Tasnim) - A senior Iranian air force commander announced on Sunday that the country is manufacturing a new jet, which will be employed for training purposes.
Lieutenant Commander of the Iranian Air Force Brigadier General Alireza Barkhor told the Tasnim News Agency that a military project, known as “Kowsar”, will result in a new training aircraft, which will be completed in the near future.
He said the new fighter jet is planned to be used in training courses and exercising programs.
Barkhor further stated that the next stage of the major project is to mass-produce a working prototype of the aircraft.
Earlier this month, Brigadier General Barkhor had also stated that the Air Force experts are producing the new generation of Iran’s home-made Saeqeh (Thunderbolt) fighter jet.
He said 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 announced at the time.
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.