Iran’s Air Force begins mass production of fighter jet

/By AzerNews/

By Sara Rajabova

Iran has begun mass production of the indigenous Saeqeh (Thunderbolt) fighter jets.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force has built squadrons of Saeqeh which are going through their evolutionary process,” Brigadier General Hossein Chitforoush, the Spokesman for IRIAF said on January 7, Press TV reported.

Chitforoush said the fighter is conducting reconnaissance missions across Iran.

Noting that the new fighter jet will bring Iran to the level of self-sufficiency in the military field, he added that IRIAF will upgrade the bomber according to its needs over time.

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 assured other nations, especially regional neighbors, 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.