File image.
The Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF) has reportedly upgraded its aging French-made Dassault Mirage F1 fighter jets.
Iran seized 24 F1BQs and F1EQs which flew over from Iraq during the 1991 Persian Gulf War. The fighter jets received multiple local upgrades in later years. As of 2021, 12 Mirage F1EQs and five Mirage F1BQs were reported to be in service with the IRIAF.
According to Iranian media sources, the latest upgrade enabled the fighter jets to carry the Noor anti-ship cruise missile, an Iranian copy of China’s C-802 with a range of 220 kilometers, as well as radically upgraded Iranian versions of the United States’ AIM-9P air-to-air missile and the Chinese-made PL-7 air-to-air missile.
Last month, a video posted to social media showed one of the IRIAF upgraded Mirage F1 taking off. The footage was likely shot at Chahbahar Air Base, the home of fighter jets of this type.
While the Mirage F1s were built over 40 years ago, they are still considered among the newest fighter jets in service with the IRIAF. To this day, the air force is mainly made up of U.S.-made aircraft from the 60s and 70s, like the F-4 and F-5.
Despite facing strict sanctions and economic difficulties, Iran has been working to modernize its air force. Last year, the country managed to acquire a few Yakovlev Yak-130 advanced jet trainers from Russia. A separate deal on Sukhoi Su-35s air superiority fighter jets was reportedly signed.
Still, the country continues to activate and upgrade its fighter jets as a short term solution amid growing tensions with both the U.S. and Israel.
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