Iran plans to develop advanced jets
By Sara Rajabova
Tehran is planning to develop an advanced fighter jet capable to track the aircrafts belonging to the United States, Israel and etc.
Hushang Monfard Zadeh, Commander of the Owj Complex of Iran's Air Force said the country is working on a fighter jet advanced enough to compete with fourth-generation fighters of developed countries, Fars news agency reported.
He said the fighter would be an improvement of Saeqeh (Thunderbolt), a recently made fighter jet amd would use advanced electronic equipment comparable to that of 4 to 4.5th generation fighters now available.
“The Defense Ministry’s various sections are working on electro-avionic and radar systems. These systems have been indigenized. So we are looking forward anxiously to updating the equipment used in Saeqeh, since threats are developing on a daily basis,” Zadeh said.
He stressed that Tehran isn’t threatened by regional countries, “but fights by ultra-regional forces.”
“So we have to be able to track and recognize aircraft belonging to the U.S., Israel, etc. In the future we are going to have an aircraft with similiar ability,” he said.
In recent years, Iran has made significant achievements in the field of aerospace technology.
Iran unveiled its first domestically manufactured fighter jet, called the Azarakhsh (Lightning), in 2007. The Saeqeh fighter plane was a follow-up aircraft derived from the Azarakhsh. Iran unveiled its first squadron of Saeqeh fighter jets in an air show in September 2010.
Recently, Iranian official announced that Tehran plans to put on display Saeqeh 2 fighter jet, which is a developed version of the previous Saeqeh fighter.
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.
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Sara Rajabova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @SaraRajabova
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