Iran develops radar-evading chopper: General

Iran is manufacturing three domestically-designed helicopters including a radar-evading chopper, the latest in military advancements in the Islamic Republic, a senior military official says.

The helicopters are being made by Iran Helicopters Logistics and Renovation Organization (IHLRO), affiliated with Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization (CAO).

“Besides overhauling all helicopters,... the IHLRO has designed three types of helicopters in three different categories to meet the country’s future needs,” said Brigadier General Mohammad Ali Ahmad-Abadi, the IHLRO managing director.

He said semi-heavy 14-seater Homa helicopter is “radar-evading” and could carry weapons, adding that the twin-engine 8-seater Saba “will be able to meet marine, rescue and relief as well as transportation needs.”

The general said the third helicopter would be used in military training.

On September 1, Iran unveiled two domestically-manufactured state-of-the-art radar systems – Arash-2 and Kayhan – capable of detecting stealth aircraft and long-distance targets.

Kayhan, which is a two-dimensional radar system, is capable of detecting and tracking hostile aerial targets, including conventional aircraft and stealth jets that fly on high altitudes.

The Arash-2 radar system can track targets at an altitude of around 100,000 feet.

Iran is also set to unveil later this month a new indigenous surface-to-air missile defense system named Talash-3, which was successfully test-fired recently.

In recent years, Iran has taken great strides in its defense sector and attained self-sufficiency in producing essential military equipment and systems.

The Islamic Republic has repeatedly assured other countries that its military might poses no threat to other states, saying that its defense doctrine is entirely based on deterrence.