Iran struggles to field a fighter
Western powers increasingly characterize Iran as a potential cause for instability in the Middle East.

Western powers increasingly characterize Iran as a potential cause for instability in the Middle East. The U.S. and its allies charge Tehran with funding and supporting the insurgency in Iraq, maintaining a well-developed ballistic missile program and seeking its own nuclear arsenal. But while those high objectives may or may not occupy the Iranian government’s wish list, the acquisition of a new-age fighter aircraft does not seem to command anywhere near the funding priority Iran has reportedly given its missile and nuclear programs. In fact, the country’s efforts to design and develop its own aircraft do not seem to have progressed meaningfully in the last three years, leaving in question its viability as a serious producer.

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