TEHRAN -- The Iran Aviation Industries Organization (IAIO) has announced plans to unveil an unmanned version of home-grown Qaher single-seat stealth fighter aircraft in the next solar calendar year that begins on March 21.
Speaking during a TV program on Saturday night, IAIO chief executive Brigadier General Afshin Khajefard said the aircraft was manufactured at the IAIO and the project was first brought up in the media 10 years ago.
“The Qaher project has reached full maturity in terms of technology, but we are producing more diversified products. It means that by the middle of next year, you will see versions of this aircraft that will be delivered to the armed forces,” he said. “The Qaher project will emerge as an unmanned aircraft.”
Khajefard also emphasized that Iran is self-reliant in the field of overhauling commercial aircraft and manufacturing components in defiance of sanctions.
“We have reached a level of self-sufficiency in the field of engines so that today we can produce 10 types of engines, most of which are used on drones and cruise missiles. Of course, our defense industries have also reached self-sufficiency in designing and making heavy engines,” he added.
Referring to electric aircraft, Khajefard said that the IAIO has started working on several prototypes that will be tested next year.
“Of course, our electric drones have reached full maturity, but manned eclectic aircraft require more improvements,” he explained.
Touching on Iran’s achievements regarding development of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), he said, “We have various classes of missiles, precision-strike bombs, electronic warfare avionics and reconnaissance drones. However, we are trying to develop drones with civilian applications, because drones can be used for agriculture, mapping and firefighting.”
Iranian military experts and technicians have in recent years made substantial headway in manufacturing a broad range of indigenous equipment, making the armed forces self-sufficient in the arms sector.
Iranian officials have repeatedly warned that the country will not hesitate to strengthen its military capabilities which are entirely meant for defense.