Iran unveils indigenous fighter jet
IRAN: Iran has unveiled a new indigenous fighter jet, which is said
to be similar to a US-made warplane. Qaher-313 (Conqueror-313) advanced
military aircraft was put on display during a ceremony on Saturday in
the presence of Commander of Iran’s Army Major General Ataollah Salehi,
Defense Minister Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi and Commander of the
Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF) Brigadier General Hassan
Shah-Safi on the occasion of the Ten-Day Dawn celebrations commemorating
the victory of 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who addressed the unveiling
ceremony, reiterated that Iran’s defense might did not serve purposes of
“expansionism and aggression against other countries” and that it was
“deterrent” by nature.
Ahmadinejad also stated that the fighter jet had been completely
designed and manufactured by Iranian experts. Qaher-313 is said to be
similar to the US-built F/A-18, although its appearance is similar to
F-5E/F Tiger II. The new single-seat bomber has been manufactured based
on state-of-the-art technologies and modern defense achievements.
In recent years, Iran has made great achievements in defense sector
and achieved self-sufficiency in essential military hardware and defense
systems. Azarakhsh (Lightning) is Iran’s first indigenous 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 September 2010.
Tehran has repeatedly assured other nations, especially regional
neighbors, that its military might poses no threat to other countries,
stating that its defense doctrine is merely based on deterrence. -
PRESS TV |
