Iran unveils new homemade fighter jet

ran unveiled a new homemade fighter jet dubbed Saeqeh 2 during a ceremony in Tehran, Tasnim news agency reported Feb. 9.

The plane officially handed over to the Islamic Republic Air force in a ceremony attended by Deputy Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami and Lieutenant Commander of the Iranian Air Force Brigadier General Alireza Barkhor.

Saeqeh 2 is a developed version of the previous Saeqeh fighter and is produced by the country’s Ministry of Defense.

In the new design the aircraft’s combat capabilities have been increased using advanced weapons, Hatami said.

The two -seat jet fighter can be used for close support in tactical missions and training pilots at an advanced stage, he said.

Iran unveiled its first domestically manufactured fighter jet, called the Azarakhsh (Lightning), in 2007. Saeqeh (Thunderbolt), which is a single-seat jet fighter was derived from the American Northrop F-5 and is the second generation of the Iranian Azarakhsh fighter. Iran unveiled its first squadron of Saeqeh fighter jets in an air show in September 2010.

 /Trend/