21-Aug-2018: Iran unveils new domestic fighter jet

Iran unveiled a new domestic fighter jet to deter enemies and to create "lasting peace". The new Kowsar fourth-generation fighter was unveiled at the National Defence Industry exhibition in Tehran.

State media said it had "advanced avionics" and multi-purpose radar, and it was "100-percent indigenously made" for the first time.

Defence Minister Amir Hatami said the aircraft programme was motivated by memories of air strikes Iran suffered during its eight-year war with Iraq in the 1980s, and by repeated threats from Israel and the United States that "all options are on the table" in dealing with Iran. We have learned in the [Iran-Iraq] war that we cannot rely on anyone but ourselves. Our resources are limited and we are committed to establishing security at a minimum cost.

The US has sold hundreds of billions of dollars of weapons to Iran's regional rivals, but has demanded that Tehran curb its defence programmes, and is in the process of re-imposing crippling sanctions in a bid to force its capitulation.

Following the withdrawal of the United States from the 2015 nuclear deal in May, Iran has avoided an aggressive response and sought to maintain its good will with other international partners who oppose Washington's move.