‘Advanced’ Iranian fighter jet unveiled

A handout picture made available by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s official website shows Ahmadinejad looking at the Qaher F-313 during the unveiling ceremony in Tehran yesterday.Agencies/TehranIran yesterday unveiled a fighter jet it said was designed and built domestically, with President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad touting it as “one of the most advanced” aircraft in the world. State television footage showed the grey, futuristic-looking aircraft, codenamed Qaher (Conqueror) F-313, displayed in a hangar. The warplane “is among the most advanced fighter jets in the world”, Ahmadinejad told defence ministry top brass at the unveiling, media reports said. Ahmadinejad said the aircraft was designed and built in Iran, and was test-flown for “thousands of hours” by pilots who are “very satisfied with its performance”. The unveiling comes as Iran marks the 34th anniversary of the 1979 revolution, which replaced the US-backed shah with an Islamic regime. Iran traditionally uses the anniversary period to showcase military, space and nuclear advances, against the backdrop of international sanctions. “Now the speed of Iran’s development in science and technology does not depend on circumstances, it depends on our will,” Ahmadinejad said in remarks carried on state television. “We should set higher targets. We see that it is possible, we have the capabilities.”“This project carries the message of brotherhood, peace, and security and it doesn’t pose any threat to anyone. There is no intention to interfere in any other country’s affairs,” he said.Media quoted Defence Minister Ahmed Vahidi as saying the plane boasted a very low radar signature, and that “advanced materials” were used to build it. He said, without elaborating, that it is also equipped with “advanced electro-avionics systems”. Vahidi said the plane could land on short runways and will “meet the needs of the Iranian air force”. Iran is subject to a US embargo which prohibits it from buying new fighter jets and spare parts for its ageing air force, much of which is of American origin and was bought in a huge pre-revolution spending spree. Iran also has Russian jets, but in past years has concentrated on developing entirely home-produced warplanes.