HESA Saeqeh

The HESA Saeqeh (meaning “Thunderbolt”) is a domestically produced Iranian fighter jet developed by the Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industrial Company (HESA) in the early 2000s. Its origin traces back to the aging Northrop F‑5E/F Tiger II fleet, which Iran reverse‑engineered and modified to create a more capable platform. The first prototype flew in 2004, and a limited series of aircraft entered service with the Iranian Air Force around 2012.

Key features include a twin‑engine layout derived from the F‑5 airframe, a distinctive forward‑swept wing that improves maneuverability at high angles of attack, and a larger dorsal fin for enhanced stability. The Saeqeh is equipped with a modern glass cockpit, a head‑up display, and compatibility with locally produced R‑550 or R‑550M2 air‑to‑air missiles, as well as indigenous unguided rockets. Its avionics suite incorporates a multifunction radar and a digital flight‑control system, allowing for improved air‑to‑air and limited ground‑attack missions.

Since its introduction, Iran has reportedly produced around thirty units, although exact numbers remain classified. Ongoing upgrades aim to integrate indigenous radar‑altitude warning systems, electronic warfare pods, and short‑range infrared missiles to keep the type relevant against modern threats. The Saeqeh also participates in national air shows and joint exercises, projecting a visible deterrent capability. Its development has spurred further projects such as the Kowsar and Saeqeh‑90, reflecting a broader strategy to establish an autonomous fighter‑jet industry.

The aircraft’s significance lies in demonstrating Iran’s ability to indigenously redesign and produce combat aircraft despite international sanctions, extending the service life of legacy platforms and symbolizing a milestone in the nation’s aerospace development.