Iran, on 9th of February 2015 unveiled a new home made super sonic fighter jet named 'Saeqeh 2' or 'Thunderbolt 2' which can also be used for training purposes, reported by FNA. 'The double-cockpit supersonic fighter jet, which has been designed and built by the defense ministry's aerospace industries organization in cooperation with the Islamic Republic of Iran's Air Force, can be used for combat missions, close-range cover and backup in tactical missions, and also advanced pilot training programs,' Iranian Deputy Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami said at the unveiling ceremony.
He further said that this aircraft had been made with a much more unique and better design to improve its combat ability. The plane has also been equipped with advanced electro-avionics and weapons systems to train pilots for flying with the existing or new heavy fighters. After this, the Iranian Air Force commander added that they will build another plane which will be able to trace out US and ISRAELI stealth planes and combat with them head on!
The commander added. 'We will build a plane that will be a part of the Saeqeh family but improved and equipped with fourth generation avionics. He reiterated that Iran was reaching a level of expertise that it would soon be able to manufacture a totally different aircraft in terms of electronic, radar and avionic systems as well as weaponry equipment.
In September 2010, Iran displayed the first squadron of its Saeqeh fighters in an air show staged during the military parades at the beginning of the Week of Sacred Defense, marking Iranians' sacrifices during the 8 years of Iraqi imposed war on Iran in 1980s.
In September 2011, the Iranian Air Force's first squadron of home-made Saeqeh fighter jets started operations during the large offensive air drills codenamed "Fadaeeyan-e Harim-e Vellayat III" in Northwestern Iran.
Lieutenant Commander of the Iranian Air Force Brigadier General Alireza Barkhor announced in February that the new model of Iran's home-made Saeqeh jet fighter would be unveiled in the future.
Also in the same month, Iranian Air Force Commander Brigadier General Hassan Shah Safi announced that his forces had focused all their power and energy on building fighter jets as they believed that future wars were fought and won in the sky.
The commander also said that it is the hard work and sacrifices that Iranian men had to give that resulted in this fine squadron of Saeqeh jets!
Yet, the Air Force commander reiterated the defensive doctrine of the Islamic Republic, saying Tehran had the narrowest military budget among the regional countries.
In recent years, Iran has made great achievements in the defense sector and gained self-sufficiency in essential military hardware and defense systems.
The country has repeatedly made it clear that its military might is merely based on the state's defense doctrine of deterrence and that it poses no threat to other countries.
