Iran overhauls fighter jets
By IANSWednesday, April 21, 2010
TEHRAN - Iran has overhauled its military aircraft, and has even installed radar systems on sophisticated F14 fighter jets for the first time, an Iranian Air Force commander has said.
“Most airplanes have the previous designs but all of their components, including systems and parts, are being optimised and upgraded on a continued and regular basis,” General Aziz Nasirzadeh was quoted as saying by Fars news agency Tuesday.
The commander said mounting home-made 900-kg smart bombs on Iranian bombers is an instance of the country’s capability to upgrade its fighter jets.
Referring to the promotion of the systems and capabilities of F14 fighter jets, Nasirzadeh said: “we have a new generation of F14 fighters and its radar system has been upgraded by our local experts.”
The new radar system has been built and installed on the fighter jets by Iranian personnel and can be enhanced and upgraded continuously, he said.
Iran has already started manufacturing aircraft engines and has achieved acceptable results in this regard, he said.
In September 2009, Iran displayed the first squadron of Saeqeh fighter jets produced by its defence industries.
