“New” Iranian Fighter-Jet: Part Of “Elaborate” Dance

Iran has introduced its “new” indigenous fighter-jet, the Lightning, into service. Officials said the Iranian Air Force has introduced its first Lightning fighter-jet into service. They said five Lightning aircraft were deployed by the air force in the second half of 2009. Other reports says it is undergoing performance tests.

“The air force is pleased with the performance of these planes,” an Iranian official said.

Lightning was first seen in an air demonstration by the military in Teheran on Sept. 22. The plane was said to have been modeled after the U.S.-origin F-14 and F/A-18 fighters.

Officials said Lightning was certified in mid-2009. They said the aircraft underwent a series of trials at the air force base in Isfahan.

Iranian air defense commander Gen. Ahmad Mikani said the introduction of Lightning was part of the modernization of the air force. Mikani said the air force was overseeing the development of several models of air defense systems, including that which could intercept cruise missiles.

“We are now at the height of our defensive capabilities,” Mikani said.

The reverse engineered Iranian jet fighter raises questions about what’s going on with plans  to acquire Russian Sukhoi Su-27 (Cyrillic: Сухой Су-27) NATO designated Flanker) The Flanker is a one-seat Mach-2 class jet fighter plane originally manufactured by the Soviet Union, and designed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau. It was intended as a direct competitor for the large United States fourth generation fighters, with long 3,530 km range, heavy armament, sophisticated avionics and high agility. The Su-27 most often flies air superiority missions, but is able to perform almost all combat operations. Complementing the smaller MiG-29, its closest US counterpart is the F-15 Eagle.

It is believed that the Flanker assembly line is running at maximum to fill orders to China and other clients perhaps meaning Iran will not receive the Flankers as planned. Or, Russia may be dithering to con Obama until it fully gets the concessions from the U. S. it desires.

 In recent weeks Obama has cancelled the anti-bsllistic shield in Poland and the Czech Republic and this week announced no intentions for Ukraine as well as retreating on Georgia. But, that doesn’t satisfy Putin who senses weakness and opportunity. He cold shouldered Hillary Clinton’s visit by going to China.