Iran launches new combat helicopter

Iran on the final day of naval combat exercises Wednesday announced the launch of its next generation of combat helicopters, UPI reported.


Iranian Defense Minister Brig. Gen. Ahmad Vahidit ook part in a ceremony to mark the deployment of combat helicopter Toufan II.


The defense minister said the Iranian-designed helicopter is part of "a new generation of combat choppers and enjoys advanced and updated technology," Fars News Agency reported.


Once mass production begins, Vahidi said the new combat aircraft will expand Iran's defense capabilities despite increasing sanctions pressure from Tehran's adversaries.


Western governments have imposed tight economic sanctions on Iran to counter perceived nuclear weapons ambitions.