Iran to unveil new indigenous fighter jet

The Iranian Defense Ministry has announced that the country will unveil a new advanced fighter aircraft.

The domestically-designed and developed fighter jet, codenamed Qaher-313 (Conqueror-313), will be put on display on Saturday on the occasion of the Ten-Day Dawn celebrations commemorating the victory of 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and a number of high-ranking military officials will attend the unveiling ceremony.

Brigadier General Mohammad-Reza Karshki said in February 2011 that the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force was collaborating with the Defense Ministry on an extensive project to design and build an advanced fighter jet.

The fighter jet is said to be similar to the US-built F/A-18, although its appearance looks similar to F-5E/F Tiger II. The new single-seat bomber will have the ability to track down enemy aircraft, engage in combat, target locations on the ground, and carry a payload of assorted weapons and ammunition.

In recent years, Iran has made great achievements in the defense sector and gained self-sufficiency in essential military hardware and defense systems.

Azarakhsh (lightning) is Iran’s first domestically-manufactured combat jet.

Saeqeh (Thunderbolt) fighter jet is a follow up aircraft, derived from the 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.