Iran announces delivery of Kowsar jets, shows F-5Fs
Three indigenously produced Kowsar fighters have been delivered to the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF), the Iranian Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL) announced on 25 June.
The three Kowsars take off together at HESA’s Esfahan facility. (Iranian Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics)
The MODAFL cited Brigadier General Afshin Khajeh Fard, the head of its Aviation Industries Organisation, as saying the Kowsar is an advanced fighter that has a multirole fire control radar that enables it to also carry out close-air support missions.
The MODAFL said a ceremony was held is Esfahan to mark the handover and released photographs showing what appeared to be three two-seat Northrop F-5F Tiger II fighters, a type that has been in service in Iran since before the 1979 revolution.
The aircraft were painted in non-combat colours and with Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industries (HESA) markings.
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