Iran unveils latest indigenous helicopter Toufan 2

Wed Jan 2, 2013 8:59AM

Iran has unveiled its latest combat helicopter Toufan 2 (Storm 2) during a ceremony attended by the country’s Defense Minister Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi.

Speaking during the ceremony on Wednesday, Vahidi said the chopper belongs to a new generation of combat helicopters and enjoys modern and advanced technologies, including high-precision targeting capability.

He noted that Toufan 2 employs Iran’s latest indigenous achievements in electronics, optics, laser and armament capabilities.

The Iranian minister hailed Toufan 2 as a symbol of creativity and self-sufficiency in the face of the enemies’ sanctions.

Vahidi stated that the aircraft will dramatically boost the combat power of the Iranian armed forces once its mass production begins.

Developed by the Iranian Aviation Industries Organization (IAIO), Toufan 2 was unveiled on the sixth and final day of naval exercises spanning the Strait of Hormuz to the Indian Ocean.

Iran also unveiled its first domestically manufactured helicopters during the inauguration ceremony of the Sixth International Aviation Industry Exhibition on December 12, 2012.

Panha 1 and Panha 2 helicopters are designed to conduct military operations and logistic missions, and can carry 14 and 8 passengers respectively.

The Shahriar, a completely overhauled medium-lift, twin-engine helicopter with a capacity of 20 passengers, was also displayed during the 2012 ceremony on Iran’s southern Kish Island.

In recent years, Iran has made great achievements in the defense sector and attained self-sufficiency in essential military equipment and systems.

The Islamic Republic has repeatedly made it clear that its military might is merely based on the nation's defense doctrine of deterrence and poses no threat to other countries.

TE/PKH/HJL