🇮🇷 An Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF) Kowsar fighter jet has conducted a test flight above Tabriz, Iran.

The indigenous fighter deploys a version of "Binat" phased array radar, previously seen on Iranian F-4E(M) and F-14A(M) fighters.

The aircraft has been called a F-5E Tiger II copy but other than the fuselage it shares little with F-5s.

It incorporates the "Owj" turbo jets with afterburner and Iranian digital avionics.

In previous years at least 5 aircraft of the type have been seen at air shows in single and two-seat configuration, with at least 7 more seen on the assembly line.

With Isfahan's aviation industry heavily bombed during the 40-day War of aggression, it's difficult to imagine any new Kowsar jets rolling off the assembly.

This aircraft is perhaps one of the survivors of the war or an example assembled from available parts.

However, with an IRIAF C-130J and a Sepah Aerospace Force Iliyushin-76 cargo reported operating out of Tehran yesterday, and frequent MiG-29, F-14 Tomcat night patrols, life appears to be returning to normalcy of sorts for the IRIAF.

@SimurghRes