Kowsar

The HESA Kowsar is an Iranian fighter jet based on the airframe of the American Northrop F-5. Manufactured by the Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industries Company (HESA), the assembly line for the aircraft was inaugurated on 3 November 2018, with at least seven aircraft initially produced.

Design

The aircraft is powered by two Owj turbojet engines, each generating 15.5 kN of dry thrust and 22 kN in full afterburner. The Kowsar's avionics suite features digital data networks, a glass cockpit, a heads-up display (HUD), ballistic computers, and smart mobile mapping systems. Its primary sensor is a multipurpose radar based on the Italian Grifo design—reportedly either a Chinese model or a domestic production—which Iranian sources state has a detection range of 93 km and the capability to engage two targets simultaneously. Western analysts have generally described the Kowsar as of limited value as a frontline combat aircraft but useful for training a new generation of Iranian pilots.

Armament

The Kowsar has a maximum payload capacity of 3,200 kg distributed across seven hardpoints, supplemented by an internal 20 mm cannon. The aircraft can carry up to four Fatir air-to-air missiles, which are reverse-engineered Sidewinder missiles. Its bomb load configurations include up to twelve 250 kg bombs, five 450 kg bombs, or two 900 kg bombs.

Operational History

The Iran Aviation Industries Organization announced its readiness to export the Kowsar on 26 November 2018. On 25 June 2020, the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force accepted delivery of three Kowsar aircraft in non-combat colors during a ceremony in Isfahan.

Variants

• Single-seater: A single-seat configuration of the aircraft.

• Two-seater: A dual-seat configuration of the aircraft.