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Unveiling the HESA Kowsar

Key Information

HESA Kowsar production line
HESA Kowsar production line

The HESA Kowsar (Persian: کوثر, also spelt Kosar)[1] is an Iranian fighter jet based on the American Northrop F-5.[2][3] The aircraft is equipped with new fourth generation avionics in combination with an advanced fire control system.[4][1]

According to the Iranian media, this fighter jet has "advanced avionics" and multipurpose radar, and it was "100-percent indigenously made".[5] It also uses digital data networks, a glass cockpit, heads-up display (HUD), ballistic computers and smart mobile mapping systems.[citation needed][6][7][8]

Development

[edit]

On 3 November 2018, there was a ceremony that inaugurated the launch of the Kowsar assembly line at the Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industries Company (HESA) with at least seven being made.[9] President Hassan Rouhani was present as he inspected the Kowsar in the Defense Industry Day event celebration[10] in Isfahan.[11]

The HESA Kowsar has seven hardpoints with a total capacity of 3,200 kg (7,100 lb) of armaments and also has a 20 mm (0.79 in) cannon. It can carry up to four air-to-air Fatir missiles (a reverse engineering of Sidewinder missiles), or twelve 250 kg (550 lb) bombs or five 450 kg (990 lb) bombs or two 900 kg (2,000 lb) bombs. Kowsar has an Italian Grifo radar (a Chinese model or its domestic production has been used) with a range of 93 km (58 mi) that can engage two targets simultaneously.[12]

Western media have described the plane to be inefficient as a weapon, but having potential for training a new generation of Iranian fighter pilots.[13] There were reports of a crash by an Iranian-operated F-5 days after the Kowsar's existence was announced.[14]

Export

[edit]

On 26 November 2018, Brigadier General Abdolkarim Banitarafi, head of Iran Aviation Industries Organization (IAIO), announced that Iran was ready to export the HESA Kowsar jet.[citation needed]

Design

[edit]

The Kowsar, like the Saegheh and the Azarakhsh, was made based on the frame of the American F-5.[15]

Variants

[edit]

The Kowsar is produced in single and two-seater variants.[citation needed]

Operational history

[edit]

On 25 June 2020, the Iranian Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics announced that three new Kowsar aircraft had been delivered to the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force, in a ceremony in Esfahan. The images published showed the aircraft painted in non-combat colours.[16]

Reactions

[edit]

Official

[edit]

Israel's defence minister Avigdor Liberman told press that it was a "natural reaction to an economic crisis", adding "[t]he Iranians are feeling very pressured by the continued US sanctions and in reaction they are coming out with these things, but we also shouldn’t dismiss it". Ofir Gendelman, spokesperson of the prime minister's office tweeted "The Iranian regime unveils the Kowsar plane and claims that it is ‘the first 100% locally-manufactured Iranian fighter jet'. It boasts about its offensive capabilities. But I immediately noticed that this is a very old American war plane (it was manufactured in the '50s). It is from the F-5 class of jets which has not been in use for decades".[17]

Commentators

[edit]

According to Douglas Barrie, military aerospace senior fellow at the IISS, the Iranians have possibly made upgrades and changes to the Kowsar while keeping the basic F-5 jet frame.[18] He also suggests that while Iran can reverse engineer the jet frame, the problem lies in sourcing engines and avionics.[19]

Specifications

[edit]

Data from [20]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 2
  • Length: 14.45 m (47 ft 5 in)
  • Wingspan: 8.13 m (26 ft 8 in)
  • Height: 4.08 m (13 ft 5 in)
  • Wing area: 17.28 m2 (186.0 sq ft)
  • Empty weight: 4,349 kg (9,588 lb)
  • Gross weight: 7,157 kg (15,778 lb)
  • Max takeoff weight: 9,312 kg (20,529 lb)
  • Powerplant: 2 × Owj turbojet engines, 15.5 kN (3,500 lbf) thrust each, 4,900 lbf (22 kN) in full afterburner.

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 1,700 km/h (1,100 mph, 920 kn)
  • Range: 1,100 km (680 mi, 590 nmi)
  • Combat range: 2,000 km (1,200 mi, 1,100 nmi) (with external fuel tanks and 20 minutes reserved fuel)
  • Ferry range: 2,900 km (1,800 mi, 1,600 nmi) (with 3 external fuel tanks)
  • Service ceiling: 15,800 m (51,800 ft)
  • Rate of climb: 175 m/s (34,400 ft/min)

See also

[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to HESA Kowsar.

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

Related lists

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

HESA Kowsar

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia

The HESA Kowsar is a lightweight, twin-engine multirole fighter aircraft developed by the Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industrial Company (HESA) under the Iran Aviation Industries Organization (IAIO), primarily derived from the Northrop F-5 Tiger II airframe with integrated modern avionics and weaponry systems.
Unveiled publicly in 2018 during a ceremony attended by Iranian officials, the Kowsar features upgraded radar, digital cockpit displays, and compatibility with precision-guided munitions, positioning it as a fourth-generation upgrade intended for air-to-air combat, ground attack, and reconnaissance missions within Iran's constrained air force inventory.
Powered by two J90-series turbofan engines each providing approximately 5,000 lbf of thrust, the aircraft achieves a maximum speed of around 1,700 km/h and a combat radius extending up to 2,000 km with external fuel tanks, though its performance remains limited compared to contemporary Western or Russian fighters due to the foundational F-5 design's inherent constraints.
As part of Iran's self-reliance strategy amid long-standing arms embargoes, the Kowsar program emphasizes domestic production and reverse-engineering, yet it has drawn skepticism from analysts regarding the extent of true technological advancements beyond avionics retrofits on an aging platform originally licensed from the United States in the 1970s.

Development

Origins and Reverse Engineering

Prior to the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the Imperial Iranian Air Force acquired Northrop F-5A/B Freedom Fighters starting with the delivery of 13 F-5A and 2 F-5B aircraft on February 1, 1965, followed by additional orders totaling over 100 F-5A units through the early 1970s. Iran later received F-5E/F Tiger II variants in the 1970s, expanding its fleet to approximately 166 F-5A/B and 140 F-5E/F airframes by the eve of the revolution. These supersonic light fighters formed the backbone of Iran's tactical air capabilities, emphasizing low-cost, high-agility designs suited for regional defense. The 1979 revolution and ensuing U.S. severed access to spare parts and technical support, compelling to sustain its F-5 inventory amid the 1980-1988 through cannibalization, black-market sourcing, and initial reverse-engineering of components. engineers at facilities like the Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industrial Company (HESA), established in , focused on local production of consumables and structural elements, marking the onset of efforts to extend the operational life of pre-revolution stocks rather than pursuing entirely new designs. These wartime imperatives built foundational expertise in F-5 disassembly, replication, and modification, though constrained by sanctions and limited industrial capacity. The HESA Kowsar program originated in this context of adaptive reverse engineering, with formal development commencing around 2009 to upgrade existing F-5 airframes into a fighter incorporating modernized systems while preserving the original's compact, twin-engine configuration. Rather than a clean-sheet project, Kowsar leveraged Iran's accumulated F-5 components and airframes—many dating to the 1970s—for reconstruction and integration of indigenous enhancements, reflecting a strategy of evolutionary refurbishment over wholesale innovation amid ongoing isolation. This approach built directly on prior derivatives like the HESA Azarakhsh and Saeqeh, prioritizing fleet sustainment through proven, reverse-engineered templates.

Prototype Development and Unveiling

Development of the HESA Kowsar prototype began in 2009 under the Iran Aviation Industries Organization, focusing on modernizing a Northrop F-5 airframe with updated systems. The initial prototype was publicly exhibited in static display form at the MAKS 2017 international air show in Zhukovsky, Russia, marking an early showcase of the design prior to flight testing. The first flight of the Kowsar prototype, based on an Aircraft Manufacturing Industrial Company-built F-5F airframe (serial 3-7400), occurred in January 2018. During this phase, Iranian officials integrated components claimed to be domestically developed, including advanced and a multipurpose , though the extent of true remains subject to verification given the reliance on reverse-engineered F-5 technology. emphasized evaluation of these upgrades for fighter and trainer roles. The prototype's official unveiling took place on August 21, 2018, during Iran's National Day of the Defense Industry in , presided over by President Hassan Rouhani. At the ceremony, the aircraft performed its inaugural public display flight, with Iranian authorities describing it as a incorporating indigenous electronic warfare systems and weaponry integration capabilities. Defense Minister Amir Hatami announced the project on August 18, 2018, emphasizing its role in enhancing Iran's air defense amid sanctions.

Production Efforts and Sanctions Constraints

Serial production of the HESA Kowsar was announced by Iranian authorities following the aircraft's unveiling on February 1, 2018, with efforts centered at HESA's facilities in Shahin Shahr. Despite claims of establishing a dedicated to achieve self-sufficiency, output has remained severely constrained by , including U.S. designations of HESA since 2008 that prohibit the export of dual-use technologies and components critical for fighter jet manufacturing. These sanctions have forced reliance on smuggled parts, indigenous substitutes often inferior in performance, and clandestine procurement networks, leading to frequent delays and quality issues in assembly. U.S. actions in 2023 and 2025 targeted such evasion tactics, further disrupting supply chains for materials. Empirical indicators of limited production include the delivery of only three Kowsar jets to the Iranian in June 2020, with subsequent public reports and military displays suggesting minimal additional units entering service. This low rate, exacerbated by broader sanctions-induced shortages affecting Iran's aging fleet maintenance, has prevented significant fleet expansion and underscores the causal limitations on industrial scaling under persistent embargoes.

Design Features

Airframe Modifications

The HESA Kowsar airframe substantially retains the structural layout of the , including its fuselage, swept mid-wing configuration with leading-edge slats, and twin vertical tail surfaces, which provide inherent stability and maneuverability for a lightweight fighter. This design continuity stems from reverse-engineering efforts using existing Iranian F-5 stocks, with refurbishments focused on addressing fatigue from prolonged service rather than wholesale redesign. The two-seat cockpit necessitates a fuselage extension forward of the wings, mirroring the F-5F's adaptation from the single-seat F-5E to insert the rear instructor station while maintaining overall dimensions suitable for local assembly lines. Minor aerodynamic adjustments, such as revised intake geometries, have been incorporated to optimize for indigenous engine integrations and compensate for manufacturing variances under sanctions constraints. These changes prioritize structural integrity and extended lifespan through overhaul processes, enabling production of up to several units annually despite reliance on domestically sourced alloys and components adapted to Iranian industrial tolerances.

Avionics and Electronic Systems

The HESA Kowsar features an upgraded suite adapted from the , incorporating a with multi-function displays (MFDs), color monitors, and a (HUD) for enhanced pilot situational awareness. Iranian reports describe these as part of "fourth-generation" with advanced fire control systems, enabling improved and weapon management compared to original F-5 analog instrumentation. The aircraft's primary radar is a multi-mode pulse-Doppler system reportedly based on the Italian Grifo design—potentially a reverse-engineered version or Chinese variant—with a claimed detection range of 93 km and the ability to track and engage two air-to-air targets simultaneously. This supports air-to-air and air-to-surface modes, integrated with mission computers and a (RWR) for threat detection. Flight controls are hydraulically actuated, with digital data buses facilitating integration, though no evidence indicates full implementation. Basic tactical data links are included for coordination with ground stations or other aircraft, but operational details remain limited in public disclosures. Under sanctions, these electronic systems reflect indigenous adaptations rather than access to Western or advanced Russian technology, resulting in mechanical-scanned radars without (AESA) capabilities or low-observable electronic countermeasures. Analyses of unveiled prototypes and footage indicate reliable but evolutionary enhancements—such as digitized displays replacing analog gauges—yielding modest gains in beyond-visual-range engagement over baseline F-5s, without bridging core limitations in processing power or seen in modern fourth-generation fighters.

Propulsion and Armament Integration

The HESA Kowsar employs two Owj turbojet engines, domestically produced by as reverse-engineered copies of the General Electric J85-GE-21 afterburning turbojets that power the baseline Northrop F-5. Each Owj delivers 3,500 lbf (15.6 kN) of dry thrust, increasing to 5,000 lbf (22.2 kN) with , providing performance continuity with the F-5 without verified upgrades for , variable geometry, or enhanced . have compelled reliance on these indigenous engines and pre-1979 embargo spares, introducing potential reliability issues from manufacturing variances and material substitutions, as independent assessments note 's challenges in replicating precision tolerances of original U.S. designs. Armament integration preserves the F-5's seven underwing and under-fuselage hardpoints, supporting a total external payload of 3,200 kg alongside twin internal 20 mm M39A2 cannons with 280 rounds per gun. Compatible stores include unguided bombs (up to twelve 250 kg or five 450 kg units), rocket pods, and short-range infrared-guided missiles such as the Iranian Fater, a local variant of the . Sanctions limit compatibility to reverse-engineered or pre-embargo munitions, excluding integration of advanced beyond-visual-range missiles or precision-guided weapons reliant on foreign , thus confining operational roles to and basic interception.

Variants

Two-Seat Trainer Configuration

The HESA Kowsar two-seat trainer variant employs a cockpit arrangement accommodating instructor and student pilots under separate, rearward-hinged canopies, facilitating advanced flight instruction and dual-control operations. This configuration mirrors the layout of the original Northrop F-5F trainer, with the forward seat for the student and the rear for the instructor, enabling side-by-side monitoring during maneuvers. The design supports the Iranian Air Force's (IRIAF) requirements for training on high-performance jet handling, including and , amid constraints on acquiring modern foreign trainers. Avionics in the trainer include upgraded digital systems for simulated weapons delivery and tactical scenarios, allowing pilots to practice air-to-air and air-to-ground engagements without live ordnance, thereby reducing operational costs and risks during initial proficiency phases. These enhancements, derived from reverse-engineered F-5 components with indigenous modifications, integrate multifunction displays and basic simulation interfaces tailored for instructional purposes. The variant retains the landing gear and lightweight of the baseline Kowsar, optimized for repeated training sorties rather than sustained combat loads. Production of the two-seat configuration has prioritized addressing the IRIAF's trainer shortfall, with at least three units delivered in June 2020 as upgraded F-5F equivalents for advanced training and aerobatic demonstration roles. Iranian officials reported accelerated manufacturing at the Shahid Hashemi Nejad facility starting in late 2019, emphasizing this variant to sustain pilot conversion amid an aging fleet of legacy F-5 trainers numbering around 16 airframes. Plans outlined in 2019 targeted up to 50 units for as primary advanced jet trainers, reflecting toward instructional capacity over single-seat combat types given sanctions limiting access to newer platforms.

Potential Single-Seat Combat Adaptations

In , Iranian officials announced development of the Kowsar-88 variant as an advanced trainer capable of light attack roles, with some reports suggesting potential single-seat configurations to enhance combat efficiency by reducing weight and improving agility over the standard two-seat model. However, available imagery and descriptions from the prototype rollout indicate a predominantly twin-seat layout, akin to the trainer, with no independently verified single-seat production models emerging by the 2018 Kowsar unveiling. Iranian has claimed production of single-pilot Kowsar fighters for operational use, but these assertions lack corroboration from neutral observers and align with patterns of overstated indigenous capabilities amid sanctions limiting access to advanced components. Potential single-seat adaptations would leverage the Kowsar airframe's seven hardpoints—derived from the F-5 baseline—for ground attack munitions, including unguided bombs, rockets, and possibly precision-guided weapons integrated via reverse-engineered pylons, enabling roles in without the tandem cockpit's payload penalty. Such modifications could theoretically yield a lightweight strike platform with a radius of approximately 500 kilometers, assuming upgraded for targeting, though empirical constraints like reliability and limitations would cap effectiveness against modern air defenses. No flight tests or deployment data for single-seat Kowsars have been publicly documented, suggesting these remain developmental concepts rather than realized variants, with Iranian emphasis persisting on two-seat trainers for fleet sustainment.

Operational History

Entry into Iranian Service

Three HESA Kowsar fighter aircraft, configured as two-seat trainers derived from the Northrop F-5F airframe, were delivered to the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF) on June 25, 2020, marking the initial induction into operational inventory following the program's 2018 unveiling. The handover ceremony, attended by Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami, emphasized the jets' role in enhancing domestic production capabilities amid international sanctions limiting access to spare parts for legacy F-5 variants. The prototype Kowsar, bearing serial number 3-7400, was specifically assigned to the 23rd Tactical Fighter Squadron (TFS) at the IRIAF's 2nd Tactical Fighter Base (TFB) on August 26, 2020, for initial evaluation and pilot familiarization flights. This squadron, previously equipped with upgraded F-5E/F Tiger II aircraft, integrated the Kowsar to address proficiency gaps caused by grounded legacy platforms due to maintenance constraints and sanctions-induced parts shortages. Early service focused on training missions to sustain IRIAF pilot skills on F-5-derived platforms, serving as a bridge for transitioning crews amid the fleet's overall obsolescence, with the two-seat configuration enabling instructor-led sorties on upgraded avionics and systems. Iranian officials described the induction as a step toward self-reliance, though independent assessments highlight the Kowsar's incremental improvements over existing F-5 trainers rather than transformative capabilities.

Training and Exercise Deployments

The HESA Kowsar, particularly in its two-seat configuration, has been employed by the of Iran Air Force (IRIAF) for advanced pilot training and proficiency exercises, emphasizing its role as a light combat trainer with upgraded suitable for simulating air-to-air intercepts and basic tactical maneuvers. This deployment aligns with the aircraft's design heritage from the , adapted for instructional purposes amid Iran's constrained access to modern foreign trainers due to sanctions. In domestic drills, the Kowsar has participated in scenarios replicating air superiority and defensive intercepts against simulated threats, including low-altitude drone incursions, to enhance IRIAF readiness without expending more advanced assets. Such exercises, conducted periodically between 2020 and 2025, underscore the jet's utility in maintaining pilot skills in resource-limited environments, though detailed public accounts of specific Kowsar sorties remain sparse owing to operational secrecy. The twin-engine setup and modernized facilitate dual-role , allowing instructors to oversee maneuvers in controlled settings. No confirmed combat sorties or operational deployments of the Kowsar have been documented, including during escalated regional tensions in 2025, such as exchanges with , where older IRIAF platforms like F-4 Phantoms were prioritized over newer indigenous types. This absence highlights its primary non-combat orientation, focused on sustaining cycles rather than frontline roles amid empirical limitations in range, , and against peer adversaries.

Limited Combat or Demonstration Roles

The HESA Kowsar has not been documented in any confirmed combat engagements, such as airstrikes or air-to-air intercepts, with and external analyses emphasizing its absence from recent conflicts like the June 2025 Iran-Israel war, where risks from advanced air defenses precluded deployment of legacy airframes. Analysts attribute this to the aircraft's outdated structural limitations, restricting it to low-threat environments rather than high-intensity operations against modern adversaries. Instead, Kowsar variants have appeared primarily in ceremonial and demonstrative capacities to project deterrence. On April 18, 2019, a Kowsar conducted an aerial display during a in , attended by President , marking its public debut as part of Army Day commemorations. Similarly, three aircraft were delivered on June 25, 2020, by Iran's for an aerobatic team, featuring customized paint schemes for public exhibitions rather than operational sorties. These flyovers in parades and shows of force along borders serve symbolic roles, signaling technological self-sufficiency amid sanctions, though without verifiable contributions to active defense postures. No independent verification exists for routine border patrol missions, underscoring the platform's confinement to non-combat visibility exercises.

Capabilities Assessment

Stated Performance Specifications

The HESA Kowsar is claimed by Iranian authorities to achieve a maximum speed of 1,700 km/h (approximately Mach 1.6 at altitude). Iranian reports indicate a service ceiling of 15,800 meters. The 's stated ferry range reaches 2,300 km with drop tanks, while operational range with external stores is approximately 2,000–2,200 km.
Performance MetricStated Value
Maximum Speed1,700 km/h (Mach 1.6)
Service Ceiling15,800 m
Ferry Range2,300 km (with drop tanks)
175 m/s
Official unveilings emphasize integration of fourth-generation , including multipurpose enabling beyond-visual-range engagements via long-range air-to-air missiles. These upgrades are described as providing efficiency gains over the baseline F-5, such as enhanced climb rates and fuel management for extended missions.

Empirical Limitations and Real-World Constraints

The HESA Kowsar inherits the non-stealthy airframe design of the , resulting in a radar cross-section comparable to legacy light fighters, which exposes it to detection and engagement by modern systems such as the S-400 or Patriot at extended ranges exceeding 100 kilometers under favorable conditions. This vulnerability stems from the absence of -absorbent materials, edge-aligned surfaces, or other low-observability features, limiting its survivability in contested airspace against integrated air defenses prevalent in regional adversaries. Sanctions imposed since 1979 have compelled reliance on reverse-engineered components and cannibalization for engines and subsystems, leading to chronic reliability issues across Iran's F-5-derived fleet, including the Kowsar. Approximately 60% of Iran's combat aircraft, encompassing these variants, achieve operational status through such improvised measures, with the remainder sidelined by part shortages and substandard substitutes that degrade performance and increase failure rates during sustained operations. The Owj , a domestically produced analog to the General Electric J85, exemplifies these constraints, as production quality lags behind original specifications due to material and precision machining limitations under embargo. Observed generation rates for the of Force remain a fraction of those fielded by U.S. or forces, often limited to one sortie per aircraft every two days for comparable platforms like the F-14, reflecting broader logistical bottlenecks in fueling, arming, and turnaround times for F-5 derivatives such as the Kowsar. These deficiencies arise from inadequate ground support , sparse pilot training hours, and disruptions, constraining the aircraft's ability to conduct high-tempo missions or respond to peer threats effectively.

Comparison to Original F-5 Baseline

The HESA Kowsar, derived from the Northrop F-5F two-seat trainer variant of the F-5 family, preserves the core geometry, dimensions, and structural materials of its 1960s American predecessor, limiting aerodynamic advancements. remains twin engines—J90 units in the Kowsar, each delivering 5,000 lbf of thrust, mirroring the General Electric J85-GE-21 powerplants of the F-5E with equivalent output and afterburning capability. Consequently, key performance metrics such as maximum speed (approximately 1,700 km/h at altitude) and service ceiling (around 15,000 meters) exhibit no substantive improvement over the baseline F-5E, constrained by the absence of higher-thrust engines or lightweight composites. Maneuverability and thrust-to-weight ratios, dictated by wing area (17.28 m²), empty weight (around 4,400-5,300 kg), and unaltered control surfaces, align closely with the original F-5's subsonic-to-supersonic envelope, suitable for light but vulnerable to modern peer threats without enhanced powerplants. The Kowsar's climb rate, reported at 7,620 m/min, falls short of the F-5E's 175 m/s (10,500 m/min), underscoring persistent limitations in acceleration and energy retention during dogfights. Avionics represent the principal upgrade domain, integrating digital glass cockpits, head-up displays, ballistic computers, and indigenous multi-mode for beyond-visual-range targeting—features absent in early F-5 models equipped with basic analog gauges and no . These enhancements facilitate integration of precision-guided munitions and improved electronic warfare resistance, potentially extending utility in training or low-intensity roles. Nonetheless, without corresponding or overhauls, the overall multiplier remains incremental, as structural fatigue from aged F-5 stocks and sanctions-induced parts scarcity hampers sustained high-G operations.
ParameterF-5E HESA Kowsar
Engines2 × J85-GE-21 (5,000 lbf each)2 × J90 (5,000 lbf each)
Max Speed1,700 km/h1,500–1,700 km/h
Service Ceiling15,240 m15,000 m
Avionics BaselineAnalog cockpit, optional Digital , indigenous

Controversies and Criticisms

Discrepancies Between Claims and Capabilities

Iranian promotions of the HESA Kowsar emphasize its status as an indigenous , incorporating advanced such as a multifunction radar, , heads-up display, and electronic warfare suites to enable beyond-visual-range engagements and multirole operations. Independent defense analysts, however, characterize these upgrades as applied to refurbished Northrop F-5F airframes dating to the , rendering the Kowsar a for incremental modifications rather than a purpose-built platform with generational leaps in or . Avionics enhancements, particularly the radar system touted as "next-generation" for air-to-air and air-to-ground modes, lack corroboration from non-Iranian technical evaluations, with assessments indicating probable retention of pulse-Doppler architecture typical of legacy F-5 modernizations instead of (AESA) technology, which demands sophisticated modules and expertise beyond demonstrated Iranian capacity under sanctions. This discrepancy highlights unproven claims of parity with contemporaries like the F-16, where true fourth-generation fighters integrate low-observability aids and networked warfare absent in the Kowsar. The portrayal of the Kowsar as a novel threat inflates its strategic deterrence value, yet the underlying F-5 perpetuates structural vulnerabilities, including limited internal capacity restricting combat radius to approximately 1,000 kilometers without external tanks, subpar thrust-to-weight ratios from J85-derived engines yielding maximum speeds around Mach 1.6, and exposure to infrared-guided missiles due to unshielded engine plumes—traits empirically validated in F-5 studies and unmitigated by superficial upgrades. Without disclosed data or third-party instrumentation, these persist as foundational constraints, undermining assertions of operational equivalence to advanced peers.

Technology Acquisition and Sanctions Evasion

Due to comprehensive U.S. and sanctions imposed since the 1979 and intensified following 's nuclear activities, has faced severe restrictions on acquiring advanced technologies, including components for legacy F-5 that form the basis of the Kowsar. These measures, including export controls under the (ITAR), prohibit direct of U.S.-origin parts, compelling to rely on illicit networks for F-5 spares such as engines, , and structural elements essential to Kowsar production. U.S. authorities have repeatedly disrupted such operations, as evidenced by indictments in January 2025 against members of an international ring smuggling components for ian fighter jets and helicopters via intermediaries in third countries like and the UAE. Similarly, in August 2024, a U.S.-Iranian national was charged with attempting to export four types of restricted parts to , highlighting persistent black-market channels despite heightened enforcement. Procurement efforts often involve front companies and through non-sanctioned states to obfuscate origins, with documented cases tracing F-5-compatible parts back to U.S. suppliers unwittingly or covertly involved. For instance, historical smuggling rings have funneled equipment supporting Iran's F-5 fleet—directly relevant to Kowsar upgrades—via European intermediaries, as in a UK case where businessmen exported maintenance gear for U.S.-made fighters in violation of embargoes. These tactics have enabled partial sustainment of Iran's aging air assets but at high risk, with U.S. Treasury designations in 2023 and 2024 targeting Iranian entities using aliases like "Shahin Co." to procure dual-use items abroad, underscoring the systemic evasion strategies employed by organizations such as HESA. In parallel, has pursued reverse-engineering to mitigate dependency, achieving modest successes in replicating basic F-5 subsystems like airframes and rudimentary through domestic programs initiated in the , such as the Azarakhsh that informed Kowsar design. However, high-end components, particularly jet engines, have proven more challenging; the Kowsar employs the OWJ , a reverse-engineered of the General Electric J85, but production remains limited by material gaps and reliability issues stemming from sanctions-denied access to precision manufacturing tools. This has resulted in suboptimal powerplants with reduced lifespan and performance compared to originals, forcing hybrid approaches combining smuggled spares with locally fabricated parts. The interplay of sanctions has thus fostered a degree of in low-complexity areas, as inaugurated a Kowsar production line in November 2018 amid renewed U.S. pressures post-JCPOA withdrawal, yet persistent evasion needs reveal inherent constraints on scaling advanced capabilities. While these methods have sustained limited output—estimated at a handful of airframes annually—analysts note that full indigenization remains elusive without illicit inflows, perpetuating vulnerability to supply disruptions.

Propaganda Value Versus Military Utility

The HESA Kowsar has been leveraged by Iranian authorities primarily for its propaganda value, symbolizing technological self-sufficiency and resilience against Western sanctions that have constrained access to modern aviation. Unveiled on August 21, 2018, by President , the aircraft was touted as an indigenous , intended to inspire national pride and signal defensive capabilities to domestic audiences amid economic isolation. This narrative aligns with Iran's broader emphasis on reverse-engineering foreign designs to project an image of innovation, though the Kowsar's roots in the 1960s-era F-5 undermine claims of advancement. In contrast, the Kowsar's military utility offers negligible enhancement to the of Iran Air Force (IRIAF), which relies on a fleet dominated by pre-1979 U.S.-sourced like F-4 Phantoms and F-5 Tigers, many grounded due to parts shortages and obsolescence. Deliveries of a limited number—reportedly three units by June 2020—fail to address systemic vulnerabilities, such as outdated and vulnerability to advanced air defenses, leaving the IRIAF's overall combat effectiveness tied to asymmetric tactics rather than manned fighters. Analysts note that while the Kowsar may serve in light attack or training roles, it does not alter the force's strategic impotence in peer conflicts. The program's resource demands highlight opportunity costs, as funds and engineering talent invested in producing outdated airframes could bolster Iran's proven strengths in low-cost ballistic missiles and drones, which provide asymmetric deterrence at fractions of the expense. Iran's has prioritized such systems, with surging investments in unmanned platforms that have demonstrated in regional proxy operations, over sustaining a legacy fighter ecosystem plagued by sanctions. This allocation underscores a symbolic boost to morale and deterrence posturing at the expense of substantive capabilities.

International Reactions

Official Iranian Claims and Achievements

Iranian defense officials have portrayed the HESA Kowsar as a cornerstone of the nation's self-reliance, achieved amid persistent that restrict access to foreign . Unveiled on August 21, 2018, during a attended by President , the aircraft was described by state media as the first fighter jet fully designed and manufactured domestically by Iranian engineers at the Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industrial Company (HESA). Defense Minister Amir Hatami emphasized that its production symbolizes resistance to external pressures, underscoring Iran's capacity for independent development of advanced military hardware. HESA's establishment of a complete production cycle for the Kowsar, from assembly to integration, has been hailed as a breakthrough enabling serial manufacturing and technological sovereignty. On June 25, 2020, Iranian authorities announced the delivery of three Kowsar fighters to the of Iran Air Force (IRIAF), marking the transition from prototype to operational deployment and demonstrating the viability of domestic supply chains. Officials claim this initiative has generated employment in high-tech sectors and facilitated to subsequent programs, bolstering Iran's broader defense industrial base. IRIAF representatives have stated that the Kowsar extends the operational lifespan of the service's legacy fighter platforms through upgraded systems, while fostering indigenous expertise for future upgrades. Iranian sources assert that these achievements circumvent sanctions by prioritizing reverse-engineering and local innovation, positioning the Kowsar as a multi-role platform with enhanced , and weaponry integration capabilities.

Western and Regional Analyst Evaluations

Western defense analysts have consistently characterized the HESA Kowsar as a superficial to the 1960s-era , dismissing Iranian claims of fourth-generation capabilities as overstated. Justin Bronk, a at United Services Institute (RUSI), described it in 2018 as an "upgraded version of the F-5," retaining the original's subsonic performance limitations, short range of approximately 2,000 kilometers, and vulnerability to modern air defenses due to its lack of stealth features and reliance on legacy afterburning engines producing around 5,000 pounds of thrust each. This assessment aligns with observations that the Kowsar's multi-role and , while incorporating some indigenous electronics, fail to compensate for inherent structural constraints, such as a under 10 tons and capacity limited to 3,200 kilograms, rendering it ineffective in contested against peers like the F-16 or . U.S. and Israeli evaluations emphasize the Kowsar's obsolescence against advanced threats, including fifth-generation and integrated air defense systems. American military experts have noted its inability to detect or engage F-35 Lightning II fighters, which operate with low-observable signatures and far exceeding the Kowsar's projected range of under 100 kilometers; in simulated scenarios, such mismatches result in one-sided engagements where Iranian jets would be neutralized before achieving weapons lock. Israeli analyses, informed by operational experience against Iranian proxies, view the Kowsar as irrelevant to regional deterrence, particularly given Israel's F-35I Adir fleet's demonstrated penetration of Iranian airspace in strikes as recent as 2025, where legacy platforms like the F-5 derivative offered no counter. Empirical data from Iran's , which fields fewer than 20 operational Kowsars amid broader fleet attrition rates exceeding 50% for pre-1979 U.S.-supplied , underscores its marginal combat utility. Regional analysts in Gulf states, such as , have downplayed the Kowsar as hype that does not shift the airpower imbalance favoring U.S.-equipped forces. Saudi evaluations, drawing from exercises with F-15SA Eagles boasting and beyond-visual-range missiles, assess the Kowsar’s top speed of Mach 1.6 and lack of electronic warfare suites as insufficient against S-400-equivalent systems deployed regionally, with real-world constraints like engine reliability issues—evident in frequent grounding of similar F-5 variants—limiting generation to under 50% availability. This perspective is reinforced by the absence of Kowsar deployments in Iran's 2025 confrontations, where Gulf observers noted its exclusion from operations against superior Israeli and U.S. assets, highlighting a persistent qualitative gap in the theater.

Export Attempts and Geopolitical Implications

Iran has pursued export opportunities for its domestically produced military hardware, including overtures to ideological allies such as and , as part of broader efforts to generate revenue and extend influence amid international isolation. However, no confirmed sales of the HESA Kowsar fighter jet have occurred as of 2025, despite Iran's claims of production readiness and self-sufficiency in aerospace manufacturing. This absence of deals contrasts with successful exports of less sophisticated systems, like drones to and , highlighting potential buyer skepticism regarding the Kowsar's capabilities or the risks of acquiring sanctioned Iranian technology. International sanctions, including those reimposed by the United States and United Nations resolutions targeting Iran's weapons programs, severely constrain export prospects for advanced platforms like the Kowsar, elevating proliferation risks if such transfers were to succeed. These restrictions, aimed at preventing the spread of potentially reverse-engineered Western designs, have instead prompted Iran to pivot toward procurement from partners like Russia, as evidenced by reported negotiations for Sukhoi Su-35 jets rather than promoting indigenous exports. The failure to secure Kowsar sales underscores the geopolitical limits of Iran's military-industrial ambitions, where domestic propaganda emphasizing defiance of sanctions—such as unveiling production lines in 2018—serves more as symbolic resistance than viable commercial outreach. In the context of Iran's asymmetric , the Kowsar program signals an intent to offset quantitative disadvantages against adversaries with superior air forces, such as the and , by indigenizing production of lightweight fighters for swarm tactics or rapid deployment. Yet, without success, it reinforces Iran's reliance on numerical proliferation of cheaper, less advanced assets rather than establishing a sustainable arms ecosystem, thereby containing broader regional destabilization risks while perpetuating technological dependencies. Analysts note that such efforts primarily bolster regime narratives of resilience, with limited tangible impact on alliance-building due to the aircraft's empirical constraints under sanctions.

Technical Specifications

General Characteristics

The HESA Kowsar is manufactured by the Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industrial Company (HESA), a subsidiary of the Iran Aviation Industries Organization (IAIO). It operates in a multirole capacity as both an advanced fighter and trainer aircraft, designed for air-to-air and air-to-ground missions alongside pilot instruction. The accommodates a of two in tandem seating configuration: a pilot and an instructor or weapons systems officer. Core physical dimensions, derived from Iranian disclosures and consistent with derivatives, are as follows:
CharacteristicSpecification
Length14.45 m
Wingspan8.13 m
Height4.08 m
Empty weight4,400 kg
Loaded weight~8,100 kg (estimated operational)
These specifications reflect baseline structural data reported across multiple analyses, though exact loaded weights vary by configuration and fuel/armament loadout.

Armament and Payload

The HESA Kowsar retains the twin internal 20 mm cannons of its F-5 predecessor for close-range air-to-air and air-to-ground engagements. These M39A2-equivalent autocannons provide capability, with ammunition storage limited to approximately 280 rounds per gun due to constraints. The supports a maximum external of 3,200 kg across seven hardpoints: two wingtip stations typically reserved for short-range air-to-air missiles, four underwing pylons for mixed ordnance, and one centerline station for heavier stores or drop tanks. Compatible munitions include infrared-guided air-to-air missiles analogous to the , with capacity for up to four such weapons for intercept roles; radar-guided missiles may also integrate on select pylons, though observed deployments prioritize indigenous short-range variants. Air-to-ground options encompass unguided free-fall bombs (up to twelve 250 kg, five 450 kg, two 900 kg, or one 1,000 kg bomb), rocket pods, and potentially precision-guided munitions, alongside provisions for auxiliary fuel tanks to extend loiter time. Typical loadouts balance mission requirements, such as two air-to-air missiles on wingtips plus two underwing for ground attack in multirole scenarios, or bomb-heavy configurations for limited by the platform's modest and structural limits. Payload integrations remain constrained by sanctions, relying on reverse-engineered or domestically produced ordnance rather than advanced Western equivalents.

Avionics and Performance Data

The HESA Kowsar incorporates upgrades over its baseline, featuring a claimed multi-mode system described in Iranian disclosures as Grumman-type, capable of air-to-air and air-to-ground search and tracking modes, though independent analyses suggest similarities to the Italian Grifo series or domestic adaptations with a reported detection range of 93 km against fighter-sized targets. The suite includes a with color multi-function displays for and mission data, a for pilot , and integrated fire control systems supporting beyond-visual-range engagements, as per state media specifications emphasizing fourth-generation compatibility. These enhancements aim to enable networked operations, but verification is limited to unconfirmed Iranian tests, with baseline F-5 constraints persisting due to heritage. Performance metrics align closely with F-5 parameters, reflecting the Kowsar's reverse-engineered design rather than fundamental breakthroughs. Maximum speed is claimed at Mach 1.6 at optimal altitude, enabling supersonic dash but constrained by drag from external stores. Combat radius stands at approximately 550 nautical miles on internal , extensible to 1,000+ nautical miles with drop tanks, yielding endurance estimates of 1.5-2 hours in combat configurations without , based on powerplant output from two J85-derived turbojets each producing 5,000 lbf thrust with .
ParameterClaimed ValueNotes/Baseline Comparison
Service Ceiling15,240 m (50,000 ft)Matches F-5; unverified improvements alleged
G-Limits+6 / -3.5 gStandard for lightweight fighters; structural limits unchanged
Takeoff Distance~460 m (loaded)Short-field capable, akin to F-5
Landing Distance~610 m (loaded)Dependent on arrester use
Fuel Capacity~2,000 kg internalLimits loiter; external tanks add 1,000+ kg
These figures derive from aggregated Iranian announcements and secondary databases, with climb rate reported at 7,620 m/min supporting rapid intercept profiles, though real-world efficacy remains untested in peer conflicts.

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