Iran unveils indigenous combat chopper

TEHRAN  -- During a ceremony attended by the Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi on Wednesday, Iran unveiled its latest combat chopper, Toufan II ( Storm II), Press TV reported.

Vahidi said the chopper belongs to a new generation of combat helicopters and enjoys modern and advanced technologies, including high-precision targeting capability, according to the report.

Toufan II employs Iran's latest indigenous achievements in electronics, optics, laser and armament capabilities, said the Iranian minister, adding that the production of the chopper is a symbol of creativity and self-sufficiency in the face of the enemies' sanctions.

The Iranian armed forces will dramatically boost the combat power once its mass production begins, he said on Wednesday as Iran's Navy conducts the last day of its six-day naval exercises in its southern waters.

In May 2010, the Iranian defense ministry announced that it had produced domestically-designed first generation of Toufan choppers which were equipped with hi-tech weapons and anti-tank missiles, according to semi-official Fars news agency.

On December 12, 2012, Iran unveiled Panha I and Panha II helicopters which were designed to conduct military operations and logistic missions, and could carry 14 and eight passengers respectively, according to Press TV.

Also, the Shahriar, a completely overhauled medium-lift, twin- engine helicopter with a capacity of 20 passengers, was put on show in December on Iran's southern Kish Island.