TEHRAN (Tasnim) � A ranking official at Iran�s Armed Forces General Staff said the local experts have acquired enough skills to manufacture a range of fighter jets inside the country.







Iran�s Air Force and the Defense Ministry�s Aviation Industries Organization have coordinated efforts in such a way that have become able to manufacture various types of fighter jets, Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi, head of the strategic-defense research center of the Armed Forces General Staff said on Tuesday.

His comments came after Iran unveiled the second version of its indigenously-developed Saeqeh (Thunderbolt) fighter aircraft in February.

The supersonic warplane is a twin-seat fighter suitable for close support in tactical operations.

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.

By Tasnim News Agency