Iran Upgrading Homegrown Fighter Jet
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – A high-ranking Iranian military official said the country is manufacturing a two-seat version of its domestically made Saeqeh (Thunderbolt) fighter aircraft.
Speaking at a press conference in Tehran on Sunday morning, Iran’s Deputy Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami said the new two-seat aircraft will come into service in the next Iranian year (to start on March 21, 2015).
The twin-seat aircraft means that the fighter jet will have more power, mobility, navigation equipment, fire power, pay load and operational range.
The deputy minister also noted that another home-made fighter jet, dubbed Qaher (Conqueror) is now undergoing development phases.
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.
In February 2013, 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.