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Thursday, March 28, 2024

Iran Touts New Domestically-Made Fighter Jet

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On Saturday, February 2, Iran unveiled a new domestically designed and built fighter jet, claiming it has the capability of evading radar systems, according to an AFP report

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said that the jet which is code-named as the Qaher (Conqueror) F-313 “carries the message of brotherhood, peace, and security.” He said the jet “doesn’t pose any threat to anyone”, despite its aggressive name.

The unveiling ceremony was broadcast on Iranian state television, as the country commemorates the 34th anniversary of the 1979 revolution, which replaced the U.S.-backed shah with an Islamic regime. Iran traditionally uses the anniversary period to showcase military, space and nuclear advances, against a backdrop of international sanctions.

Iranian pronouncements of achievements have increased in recent years, as Tehran desperately aims to prove the West’s embargo on its military, technology and economy have failed to dent its determination.

Similar in shape to stealth bombers, the futuristic-looking fighter warplane was designed and built domestically, according to statements made by Ahmadinejad to an audience of defense ministry top brass.

It “is among the most advanced fighter jets in the world,” he was quoted as having said, while insisting the F-313 was “a deterrent”.

Iranian Defense Minister Ahmad Vahidi was quoted in the media as saying the plane boasted a very low radar signature, and that “advanced materials” were used to build it.

On January 28, Iran claimed it sent a monkey into space to an altitude of 120 kilometers for a sub-orbital flight, challenging Security Council sanctions against the development of its ballistic program.

Reports on Friday, however, indicated that the “space monkey” may have been fabricated.

Images from a press conference billed as a hero’s welcome for the monkey showed the animal that was sent into space as having light fur and a distinctive red mole over its right eye. The monkey that supposedly returned from space, however, was dark haired and had no mole.

Tehran is currently locked in a showdown with the UN Security Council over its disputed nuclear activities, including sensitive uranium enrichment which the West suspects is part of a military program, despite Iranian denials.

The resumption of talks between Iran and world powers aimed at resolving international concerns over its activities have stalled for months.

The so-called P5+1 group of the United States, Britain, China, France, Russia plus Germany are painfully trying to revive the nuclear talks with Iran and prevent a military solution.

The last round of such talks held in Moscow in June ended with a stalemate, as did previous rounds.

A new round is in the offing, possibly in February, but the sides have failed to agree on date and venue, blaming each other.

On Friday, U.S. Vice President Joe Biden warned Iran that opportunities for diplomacy over its disputed nuclear program were not unlimited but offered direct talks between Washington and Tehran.

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