Iran starts producing new home-made fighter jet

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Source: CCTV.com | 08-07-2007 08:18

Photo shows Iran's fighter jet, "Azarakhsh" (Lightning), which was said to be "comparable" to the U.S. F-5 fighter jet. (Xinhua/AFP Photo)

Iran has started producing its first domestically manufactured fighter jet in an effort to become militarily self-sufficient.

The announcement of large scale production of the Azarakhsh jet fighter was made by Iran's defense minister. The plane was first tested last year and is designed for close air support.

After decades of relying on buying weapons from overseas, Iran says it is becoming more self-sufficient claiming annual military exports of more than 100 million US dollars.

Editor:Du Xiaodan