Iran unveils futuristic - looking warplane

TEHRAN, Feb 2, 2013 (AFP) - Iran on Saturday unveiled a fighter jet it said was designed and built domestically, with President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad touting it as “one of the most advanced” aircraft in the world.

State television footage showed the grey, futuristic-looking aircraft, code-named Qaher (Conqueror) F-313, displayed in a hangar.

The warplane “is among the most advanced fighter jets in the world,” Ahmadinejad told defence ministry top brass at the unveiling, media reports said.

Ahmadinejad said the aircraft was designed and built in Iran, and was testflown for “thousands of hours” by pilots who are “very satisfied with its performance.” The unveiling comes as Iran marks the 34th anniversary of the 1979 revolution, which replaced the US-backed Shah with an Islamic regime.

Iran traditionally uses the anniversary period to showcase military, space and nuclear advances, against the backdrop of international sanctions.

Ahmadinejad called Qaher “a deterrent” meant to send a “message of peace,” despite its aggressive name. Media quoted Defence Minister Ahmad Vahidi as saying the plane boasted a very low radar signature, and that “advanced materials” were used to build it. He said, without elaborating, that it is also equipped with “advanced electro-avionics systems.” Vahidi said the plane could land on short runways and will “meet the needs of the Iranian air force.”

Iran also has Russian jets, but in past years has concentrated on developing entirely homeproduced warplanes