Iran Unveils New Supersonic Fighter Jet (+Photos)

Iran on Monday unveiled the second version of its indigenously-developed Saeqeh (Thunderbolt) fighter.

The supersonic warplane is a twin-seat fighter jet designed and manufactured by the local experts.

In a ceremony in Tehran, the new aircraft was unveiled and delivered to the Air Force.

Deputy Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami and Lieutenant Commander of the Air Force Brigadier General Alireza Barkhor attended the ceremony to unveil Saeqeh-2.

According to Hatami, the new fighter jet’s mission is providing “close support in tactical operations.”

Another application of the plane, he added, is to provide “advanced” training for pilots.

The deputy minister said many “indigenous systems” have been installed on the homegrown jet.

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.