IRNA � Defense Minister Brigadier General Hossein Dehqan said manufacturing Qaher-313 and Kosar-88 training jets in Iran is a prelude to production of heavy planes.

He made the remarks on the sidelines of an exhibition displaying the achievements of the Defense Ministry.

Iranian experts have been involved in all phases of production of the equipment unveiled in the exhibition including the design and manufacturing of the aircraft, the official noted.

He said that the training jets will join the armed forces after their flight tests.
�We can enter the phase of production of heavier planes in the future.�

Completing all phases of test of new heavy planes will take at least 5 to 10 years and they can be used in operations afterwards, Dehqan added.

He noted that Iran produces all jet parts inside the country except for the heavy jet engines which is on agenda to be produced domestically.

Dehqan referred to production of Saba-248 indigenous helicopters and Karrar tanks and called them Iranian defense industry�s precious achievements.

President Hassan Rouhani participated Saturday in an exhibition displaying the achievements of the Defense Ministry gained during the past two years.

President Rouhani unveiled the domestic training jet named Kosar, the tactical unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) called Mohajer-6, the anti-ship cruise missile dubbed Nasir and the air-to-air missile named Fakour.

Also, the president attended a ceremony on preparation of the flight of the Qaher-313 fighter.

Kosar, the indigenous training jet, which has been designed, built, tested and standardized inside the country, has put Iran on the list of the few world states which enjoy such a capability.