Iran claimed on the 20^th September that the test flights carried out by a pair of its latest home-grown fighter jets had effectively "scared its enemies". The trial flights coincided with the current military discussion concerning potential war. Officials in France - among them, French President Nicholas Sarkozy - have featured prominently in the speculation by highlighting the possibility of conflict erupting in respect of Iran's current nuclear programme. The United States has been at the forefront of attempts to isolate Iran, based on its notion that Tehran is involved in the construction of atomic bombs. In lieu of of a diplomatic resolve, it has hinted at military involvement being the next logical step.

Tehran insists that its nuclear production is intended for the energy industry, and not for weaponry.

Discussing the new warplane - named the "Saegheh" - the Iranian Defence Minister Mostafa Mohammed Najjir said that its research, design and construction had been undertaken jointly by the Ministry and the Iranian Air Force. "Two Saegheh jets were tested successfully by air force pilots ... The test scared Iran's enemies," he confirmed to the media, adding that the next stage in their development was official enrolment into the Air Force. This, he stated, was due to take place on the 22^nd September.

Referring to the test flights, the Chief of the Armed Forces, Ataollah Salehi, stated: "Iran, with its advanced equipment and capabilities, is fully prepared for any possible aggression".

The Saegheh made its initial flight in September 2006. Sources within the Iranian military then described the new combat jet as a derivation of a type already in service. The exact basis for the Saegheh was not then elaborated on, but subsequent images of the Saegheh would seem to indicate its heritage lies in the American-built Northrop F-5 Freedom Fighter. The 1960s-era jet was acquired from the US when the two nations were allied.

According to state television, however, the Saegheh is a 21^st century modification of the Azarakhsh jet - described by Iran last month as now under mass production. Tehran has now compared the Saegheh to the American McDonnell-Douglas F/A-18 Hornet series of fighters, but adds it is "more powerful".

In the eyes of experts within the western military world, Iran has made significant technological progress in regards to weaponry. They add, however, that Iran's limited supply of information bars a full capability evaluation. Iranian weaponry, they say, has some potential, but remains some way behind the technology employed by the US.

Source - Armed Forces International's Middle East Correspondent

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