Saeqeh (Persian "thunderbolt", alternative spellings: Sa'eqeh), or Saeqeh-80[1], is an Iranian single-seater jet fighter that was unveiled in July of 2004. It appears to be an F-5E airframe modified with canted twin tail fins.
The jet has been shown on state television making a test flight. No information about its operational capacity, technical specifications or production were given.
According to the translation[2] by the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI) of a broadcast on Islamic Republic of Iran News Network (IRINN), the Saeqeh became operational on September 6, 2006, when it participated in an Iranian military wargame exercise called, "Blow of Zolfaqar". In that exercise that began August 19, 2006, the new fighter carried out actions described as "a mission to bomb virtual enemy targets"[3] and "a mock bombing mission"[4]
The jet has been shown on state television making a test flight. No information about its operational capacity, technical specifications or production were given.
According to the translation[2] by the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI) of a broadcast on Islamic Republic of Iran News Network (IRINN), the Saeqeh became operational on September 6, 2006, when it participated in an Iranian military wargame exercise called, "Blow of Zolfaqar". In that exercise that began August 19, 2006, the new fighter carried out actions described as "a mission to bomb virtual enemy targets"[3] and "a mock bombing mission"[4]