"The new generation of home-made Saeqeh fighter jets is being produced."Tehran (ANTARA News/Xinhua-OANA) - Iran unveiled Saturday a long- range sniper rifle and a heavy tactical vehicle manufactured by its own military experts, Press TV reported.
The Shaaher long-range sniper and Neinava tactical vehicle were unveiled during a ceremony in the Iranian capital Tehran. The ceremony was attended by commander of the Iranian army`s ground forces, Brigadier General Ahmad-Reza Pourdastan, said the report.
The 14.5-mm-caliber sniper rifle has an effective range of 3 km, said the report, adding that the weapon, which is 185 cm long and weighs 22 kg, requires three operators for efficient use.
Pourdastan told reporters that the 2.5-ton Neinava tactical vehicle is designed to transport troops and equipment.
The vehicle, which boasts a 240-horsepower engine, is 7 meters long, 2.5 meters wide and 2.8 meters high, and can carry up to 5 tons of load on ordinary roads and 2.5 tons on all kinds of terrain, according to the report.
Press TV reported Tuesday that a new generation of home-made Saeqeh (Thunderbolt) fighter jets will join Iran`s air force fleet before the end of this Iranian calendar year (March 20, 2013).
"The new generation of home-made Saeqeh fighter jets is being produced and will soon join the air force fleet under a new name," Deputy Commander of Iranian Air Force Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh was quoted as saying.
The new fighter jets are more advanced than the current ones and have been optimized by the Iranian specialists, he said, adding that the new aircraft can be equipped with enhanced ammunition, smart bombs and modern electronic systems.
Nasirzadeh said Iran`s air force is ready to counter any possible threat against the country.
(Uu.C003)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
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