Azernews.Az

By Sara Rajabova

Iran plans to put on display its second generation of fighter jets in near future.

Manouchehr Manteqi, CEO of Aviation Industries of Iran's Ministry of Defense said the fighter is a developed version of the previous Saeqeh (Thunderbolt) fighter and is called Saeqeh 2, IRIB news agency reported.

Manteqi made the remarks on the sidelines of a ceremony to officially hand over Iranian-made class 412 helicopters to the Red Crescent in Tehran.

He said at least three times of the previous generation innovation work has been put into the aircraft, adding that starting next year (March 21), the Iranian defense industry is planning to introduce at least one instance of its achievements in the field of aviation every month.

The Iranian aviation industry also plans to conduct flight tests on the Iranian-made eight-seat helicopter named Saba 248 this month.

Earlier, Iranian military official said the country has begun mass production of the indigenous Saeqeh fighter jets.

Brigadier General Hossein Chitforoush, the Spokesman for IRIAF said in early January that the new fighter jet will bring Iran to the level of self-sufficiency in the military field.

Saeqeh was unveiled as a prototype in 2004 and became operational in 2006. The jet is Iran’s second domestically-developed fighter with many calling it the Iranian F-18.

The bomber has the ability to track down enemy aircraft, engage in combat, target locations on the ground, and carry a load of assorted weapons and ammunition.

Over the past years, Iran has gained important achievements in its defense sector, attained self-sufficiency in producing important military equipment and systems and enhanced the preparedness of its forces by holding various drills.

Iran, however, has repeatedly stated that its military might poses no threat to other countries, insisting that its defense doctrine is merely based on deterrence.

Iran has recently taken great strides in defense sector and attained self-sufficiency in producing essential military equipment and systems. Iran has so far unveiled various domestically produced drones, including Ababil, Fotros, Hazem, Karrar (long range attack drone), Mohajer, Sarir, Shahed 129, Yasir and Zohal.

Since 1992, Iran has manufactured its own tanks, armored personnel carriers, missiles, radars, boats, submarines and fighter planes.

--

Sara Rajabova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @SaraRajabova

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz