Iran Unveils Warplane

Iran unveiled a locally made warplane.

Iranian television this week broadcast footage of the new Sa’aga, or Lightning, fighter jet in action.

Foreign analysts said the aircraft closely resembled the U.S.-produced F-18, and that it may have been constructed using parts cannibalized from F-4 jets Washington supplied to Iran before the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

The Lightning may have been unveiled as part of Tehran’s efforts to discourage a possible Israeli or U.S. pre-emptive strike on its nuclear facilities.