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The F-5 was designed and built as a light fighter in the 1950's, but ended up being used as a trainer by the USA. The USA then sold it to its puppet states abroad as a cheap fighter.
The Shah's air force decided to get rid of most of its 181 F-5 purchased from the USA between 1965--1976......Why?.......Focusing on better quality 4th generation planes such as the F-14 Tomcat.
57 years after it was first designed, as a second generation light fighter cum trainer by the USA, the mullahs have reproduced it numbering a few, and have subsequently hailed it has a remarkable piece of aviation engineering.
We do not say the mullahs are liars, but delusional if they think such an old design, even with updated systems can match ANY modern 5th generation fighter plane.
Iran should focus on copying and updating either the F-14, or the Su-30MK. Unavailable parts which cannot be manufactured in Iran, can be manufactured in either China or Russia.
In this globalized world much of American manufacturing is carried out in China.
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Iran adds three
indigenous Saeqeh fighter jets to IRIAF fleet
File photo shows the
Iranian Saeqeh (Thunderbolt) fighter jet.
Presstv.com
Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi
has announced the addition of three new indigenous Saeqeh (Thunderbolt)
fighter jets to the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF) fleet.
“The building and delivery of new fighter jets will take place without delay and according to the preset schedule,” Vahidi said on Monday.
Vahid added that the fighter jets can play an important role in boosting Iran's defense prowess and safeguarding its sovereignty.
In April, IRIAF Deputy Commander for Coordination Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh said the country plans to build a new generation of the Saeqeh fighter jets with enhanced radar systems and smart munitions.
The Iranian single-seat bomber has the ability to track down enemy aircraft, engage in combat, target locations on the ground, and carry a load of assorted weapons and ammunition.
Iran unveiled its first squadron of Saeqeh fighter-bombers in an air show in September 2010.
In the recent years, Iran has made great achievements in the defense sector and gained self-sufficiency in essential military hardware and defense systems.
Iran has repeatedly assured other nations, especially regional neighbors, that its military might poses no threat to other countries, insisting that its defense doctrine is merely based on deterrence.
