Iran has unveiled a project to build an advanced fighter jet for the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF).

The IRIAF is cooperating with the Defence Ministry in the project, which is presently in the initial phases, senior IRIAF commander Brigadier General Mohammadreza Karshki has said.

The fighter is a new generation of Iran’s first domestically manufactured Saeqeh fighter jet with enhanced features, which will include aerodynamic balance, missile and radar systems.

The Saeqeh is similar to the US-built F/A-18, though it is modelled after the US F-5E/F Tiger II and its outer appearance is similar to the latter.

Iran unveiled its first squadron of Saeqeh fighter-bombers in September 2010, Press TV reports, quoting media sources.