TEHRAN (Iran News) – Iran’s Air Force has kicked off developing a heavy fighter jet after success manufacturing of the Kowsar warplane, an Iranian military commander said on July 22.
Deputy Commander of the Air Force Brigadier General Hamid Vahedi exclusively told Tasnim News Agency that despite certain claims raised by critics about the Kowsar heavy fighter jet, the aircraft has nothing to do with the F-5 fighters.
Kowsar is an Iranian jet with indigenized avionics and homegrown engines, Commander Vahedi said.
The general also pointed to military projects to upgrade the radar capabilities of the Air Force’s planes, saying good progress has been made in this field.
Iran has also achieved great success in increasing the stealth capabilities of various types of aircraft, Brigadier General Vahedi said, noting that the new achievements will be unveiled after final tests.
The commander highlighted Iran’s progress in developing air-launched standoff missiles, saying local experts have extended the range of Sidewinder air-to-air missile, which is mounted on the F-5 jet, from 5 miles to 12 miles.
This enhanced range would be very effective in aerial combats, he added.
The general further pointed to the breakthrough that Iran has made in the drone industry, saying the homegrown Karrar pilotless aircraft has successfully dropped a 500-pound bomb which is going to become a weapon with pinpoint accuracy.
The Air Force has also furnished the Ababil-3 drones with rockets, Vahedi said, adding that programs are underway to equip the Ababil and Kaman UAVs with Qaem-1 and Qaem-5 smart bombs.
Iran has in recent years made great headways in manufacturing a broad range of military equipment, including air defense systems that use cutting-edge technologies.
Tehran has repeatedly stressed that its military might is defensive in nature and poses no threat to other countries.
- source : Iran Daily, Irannews
