TEHRAN, — Iran’s newly approved Defence Minister, Mehrdad Akhlaghi Ketabchi, has announced that the country’s domestically developed heavy fighter jet is expected to make its first flight next year.
According to details presented to parliament, development work is already underway, with ground testing and taxiing trials planned for the current Iranian calendar year. The aircraft is being developed and manufactured entirely within Iran, although its technical specifications and capabilities have not been disclosed.
Akhlaghi also outlined plans to strengthen Iran’s defence industry, focusing on advanced unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), electronic warfare systems, military satellites, missile capabilities and air defence.
Iran’s parliament approved Akhlaghi as defence minister on Sunday, with 237 votes in favour and 15 against. He replaces Majid Ebn al-Reza, who served in an interim capacity after former defence minister Aziz Nasirzadeh was killed in U.S.-Israeli strikes in February 2026.
The announcement comes amid continuing tensions between Iran, the United States and Israel, as Tehran seeks to expand its domestic military production and aerospace capabilities.
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