Iran unveiled a new advanced trainer fighter jet on the eighth day of national celebrations marking the 36th anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
The Saeqeh (the Thunder) aircraft, which has been developed by engineers at Iran Aviation Industries Organization (IAIO) of the defense ministry, was delivered to the air force in a ceremony on Monday.
IAIO started the mass production of the domestically manufactured aircraft last month.
The aircraft has the ability to track enemy aircraft, engage in combat, target locations on the ground and carry a load of assorted weapons and ammunition.
Deputy Defense Minister Lieutenant General Amir Hatami said in the ceremony, "The the two-seater aircraft will be used for conducting close air support missions as well as pilot training," Fars news agency reported.
Hatami added that the combat capabilities of the second-generation Saeqeh fighter jet have been greatly improved using the latest advanced technologies.
The Saeqeh was unveiled as a prototype in 2004 and was commissioned in service two years later in 2006. The jet is Iran's second domestically developed fighter jet with many calling it the Iranian F-18.
