Iran's domestically developed Saegheh fighter jet takes off for a test flight from Tehran's Mehrabad airport Sept. 20, 2007.  (Xinhua/AFP Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    BEIJING, Sept. 21 -- Iran says it has successfully tested a new model of its home-made fighter jet. Officials say the Defense Ministry and the Air Force carried out the research, design and production of the "Saegheh" warplane.

    The fighter jet was seen last year during Iran's large-scale military exercises.

    It is a new generation of the previously tested fighter jet Azarakhsh.

    The model is said to be similar to the US F-18 fighter plane -- and Iranian experts say it is more powerful.

    Iranian officials warned that the Saegheh -- which means lightning in Farsi -- should serve as a warning to western countries.

    Ataollah Salehi, Iranian Army commander, said, "This domestic product (the Saeqeh fighter jet) is a warning to western countries who threaten us. They must know that while they are trying to turn other countries against us with their limited capabilities in the region, we possess unlimited technology (to face them)."

    Iran says it has begun industrial-scale production of the fighter jet -- as part of Tehran's efforts to become militarily self-sufficient, after decades of relying on foreign weapons.

    (Source: cctv.com)