New Fighter Jet to Be Unveiled

Iran will unveil this week a new jet fighter and upgrade its missile defenses, Tasnim News Agency said Sunday quoting the defense minister.

"Our first priority is our missile capability and we must enhance it... given the enemy's efforts in missile defense," said Amir Hatami in an interview on television late Saturday.

He added that a new fighter jet "will fly on National Defense Industry Day", which falls on Wednesday.

“We will unveil a plane on National Defense Industry Day, and people will see it fly.”

Hatami said Iran decided to boost its deterrence after the missile attacks the country suffered during the 1980-88 Iraq-Iran war and following threats from Israel and the United States that "all options are on the table" in dealing with the Islamic Republic.

"We learned during the (Iraq-Iran) war that we must not rely on anyone but ourselves. We realized that whenever we are incapable, no one will help us," he said.

"Our resources are limited and we are committed to establishing security at minimum cost.”

Making his point clearer, the general said, "We upgrade our missiles in line with threats from enemies and as a deterrent.”

Hatami added that regional rival Saudi Arabia "has the largest military budget in the world after America and China...while our defense spending is limited".

"What would any country in such a situation and given the past do in our place?" he asked.

The defense minister dismissed the idea of an "Arab NATO" -- an old concept that has recently resurfaced as Washington tries to push regional countries to accept a greater share of, and pay more for, their defense.

"Arab NATO is part of the game of creating discord by the enemy and does not deserve (much) attention.”