The chief executive of Iran's Aviation Industries Organization (IAIO), Brigadier General Afshin Khajefard, has announced on Sunday that the organization plans to unveil an unmanned version of the home-grown Qaher single-seat stealth fighter aircraft on March 21 next year. 

According to the official, the aircraft was domestically manufactured by the IAIO and was brought up in the media about 10 years ago.

"The Qaher project has reached full maturity in terms of technology, but we are producing more diversified products. It means that by the middle of next year, you will see [new] versions of this aircraft that will be delivered to the armed forces," he said. "The Qaher project will emerge as an unmanned aircraft.”

The official stressed that Iran has successfully defied western nations as it relied on its own material capabilities to reach a state of full autonomy in terms of overhauling commercial aircraft and manufacturing components.

"We have reached a level of self-sufficiency in the field of engines so that today we can produce 10 types of engines, most of which are used on drones and cruise missiles. Of course, our defense industries have also reached self-sufficiency in designing and making heavy engines," he added.

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The official further noted that the IAIO has begun to work on several models of electric aircraft which are scheduled to be tested next year. 

"Of course, our electric drones have reached full maturity, but manned eclectic aircraft require more improvements," he explained.

Discussing Iran's latest achievements in the development of UAV's, Khajefard said, "We have various classes of missiles, precision-strike bombs, electronic warfare avionics, and reconnaissance drones. However, we are trying to develop drones with civilian applications, because drones can be used for agriculture, mapping, and firefighting."

Iran recently unveiled its first underground base

On February 7, Iran unveiled the first underground base called Oqab 44 (Eagle 44).

The new base is capable of housing and operating different types of fighter jets, bombers, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

This is the first base of its type in Iran to be publicized, and no further information has been provided about other underground bases belonging to the Army.

Over the recent decades, the Iranian Armed Forces have built underground bases, and the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has built the first-ever underground base or city to protect its missile units.

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