Iran to Reveal Unmanned Stealth Fighter ‘Qaher’ Soon

The Iran Aviation Industries Organization (IAIO) plans to unveil an unmanned version of home-grown Qaher single-seat stealth fighter aircraft in the next solar calendar year that begins on March 21.

IAIO chief executive Brigadier General Afshin Khajefard said during a TV program Saturday that the aircraft was created under a project revealed by the media nearly a decade ago.

"The Qaher project has reached full maturity in terms of technology, but we are producing more diversified products. It means that by the middle of next year, you will see [new] versions of this aircraft that will be delivered to the armed forces," he said, as per Iranian state media. "The Qaher project will emerge as an unmanned aircraft.”

Khajefard claimed Iran is self-reliant in the field of overhauling commercial aircraft and manufacturing components in defiance of sanctions.

“We have reached a level of self-sufficiency in the field of engines so that today we can produce 10 types of engines, most of which are used on drones and cruise missiles. Of course, our defense industries have also reached self-sufficiency in designing and making heavy engines,” he added.

IAIO is also working on several prototypes of electric aircraft that will be tested next year.