WarSclerotic

Iran said to be upgrading fighter jets.

Arie Egozi

7/8/2012

Iran has begun upgrading its Mig-29 fighter jets in preparations of a possible strike, IsraelDefense learned Tuesday.

The Islamic Republic has about 80 Mig-29 jets, which it received from the former Soviet Union.

According to foreign media reports, the Iranian Migs are in “mediocre condition,” prompting Tehran to order serious upgrades, including the installation of advanced systems.

Several such electronic systems have already been installed on some of the jets.

The Iranian have attempted to improve several of their US-made F-14 jets, sold to them during the Shah’s regime, but were unsuccessful. Several changes have been made to their F-5 jets, but those, according to experts, are far from impressive.

Several top American officials have visited Israel over the past few weeks to discuss the Iranian nuclear threat.

According to media reports, the United States has a timeframe of 18 months until it gives a final decision regarding a strike. Washington believes that in that time period, Iran may reach “critical stage” after which it will able to build a nuclear bomb.

Israel has made it clear to the US that the diplomatic efforts and financial sanctions vis-à-vis Iran are failing and that the Islamic Republic remains defiant.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak stressed that Israel alone will make decisions regarding its security. It is these statements that are likely worrying Iran.

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