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Smoke and mirrors obscure true purpose of Kowsar

9th October 2020 - 13:00 GMT | by David Oliver in London

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What is the role of the supposedly fourth-generation fighter aircraft manufactured by Iran?

In July the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF) Deputy Commander Brig Gen Hamid Vahedi announced to state-run media that the country has begun to develop fourth-generation fighter jets, in line with plans to boost defensive capabilities.

General Vahedi said: ‘After the success in manufacturing the Kowsar warplane, the Air Force has started the process of manufacturing a homegrown heavy fighter jet.’

But is Kowsar an out-and-out fighter, a close air support (CAS) platform or an advanced jet trainer?

The success Vahedi referred to followed the delivery by the Iran Aviation Industries Organization (IAIO) in June of three aircraft

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