Toufan 2 Introduced Wednesday During Naval Military Exercises

Iran has unveiled a new attack helicopter it calls the Toufan 2 (Storm 2) which bears a striking resemblance to a Bell AH-1J Cobra.

The new aircraft was first shown to the public and the media during naval military exercises that are taking place in an area bounded by the Strait of Hormuz and the Indian Ocean. The ceremony unveiling the aircraft was attended by Iran's Defense Minister Brigadier general Ahmad Vahidi, according to the Iranian television newtork Press TV.

Vahidi said that the helicopter is equipped with the country's latest "indigenous achievements in electronics, optics, laser and armament capabilities." He said that the aircraft will "dramatically boost" Iran's combat capabilities when the aircraft goes into production. No timeline for that production was given.

The aircraft joins two other new helicopters recently introduced by Iran. The Panha 1 and Panha 2 aircraft are the first helos to be built domestically in Iran, and are designed for operations and logistics missions. They can reportedly carry up to eight and 14 passengers, respectively.

Iran insists that its defense upgrades are based on deterrence, and are not intended to pose a threat to other countries.

FMI: www.state.gov/p/nea/ci/ir/index.htm