Saeqeh

The HESA Saeqeh is an Iranian single-seat jet fighter derived from the American Northrop F-5. Developed jointly by the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force and the Iranian Ministry of Defence, it is the second generation of the Azarakhsh fighter. The first prototype performed a test flight in July 2004, followed by mock bombing missions in an August 2006 exercise. Flight testing was completed on September 20, 2007, with two prototypes performing a fly-past at Mehrabad Airport. By September 2010, the first operational squadron was displayed. In May 2012, three new-generation aircraft were delivered. Total production reached five Saeqeh-1 single-seat aircraft and one Saeqeh-2 twin-seat aircraft before manufacturing shifted to the HESA Kowsar.

Design

The airframe modifies the Northrop F-5E, utilizing an identical fuselage, landing gear, and cockpit instruments. Aerodynamic alterations include two vertical tail stabilizers, additional wing strakes, and modified jet intakes. The propulsion system consists of two upgraded Iranian-built General Electric J85 afterburning turbojet engines utilizing technology from the Pratt & Whitney TF30. It has a reported range of 3,000 km. Avionics include a Phazotron-NIIR N019 "Baaz" radar with an 80 km range, capable of tracking ten targets and engaging two simultaneously. The aircraft is configured for close-target bombing and missile deployment.

Operational History

The sole operator is the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force. Aside from domestic military exercises in 2006 and public fly-pasts during parades in 2007 and 2010, there is no recorded combat deployment.

Variants

• Saeqeh-1: The initial single-seat fighter variant, of which five units were produced.

• Saeqeh-2: A two-seat variant introduced in 2015 with upgraded avionics, electronics, and weapon systems for combat and training roles.