Even more strange than the timing of the order and the indicated number of 250 units, would be if Iran could get each of them upgraded before delivery
Being serious, it doesn't make sense to me for many of the reasons that have been mentioned. More so, it's hard to believe this order, when Iran has a "show" coming up this month and has been trying to get F-14s in the Air, on the cheap. Maybe the plan is to have Iran's Indigenous F5s do everything?
We'll see what's on display...
[Items are Cited at bottom-PWP]
Iran schedules major exercises in August
NICOSIA — Iran plans to conduct a series of major military exercises.
Officials said the Iranian exercises would take place in August. They said the maneuvers would include the first operational use of such platforms as a combat aircraft.
"The Azarakhsh fighter-jet will fly for the first time in these drills, in addition to the use of new weapons and missile," Iranian Defense Minister Mostafa Najar said on July 18.
The Azarakhsh fighter-jet was unveiled in early 2007 and said to be based on the U.S.-origin F-5. Iran purchased 60 F-5s from the United States in 1974...
Iran got F-14 parts from front in Malaysia
WASHINGTON — Iran has been using Asian fronts to acquire spare parts for its U.S.-origin F-14 fighter-jet fleet.
Officials said Iran has been using Malaysia as a way-station for the illegal shipment of F-14 spare parts from the United States. In some cases, they said, the end-user of U.S.-origin spare parts was listed as Saudi Arabia.
On July 19, federal authorities arrested Jilani Humayun on charges of illegally exporting defense articles listed on the U.S. Munitions List to a company in Malaysia. Officials said the articles, consisting of spare parts of the F-14 and F-5 aircraft were meant for Iran. Iran is the only country with an operational F-14 fleet.
Congress has advanced legislation that would ban the sale of F-14 parts outside of the United States. The bill was expected to be signed by President George Bush.
In 2004, Humayun formed his own company, Vash International, to export defense and logistics support, including main battle tanks, guided missiles and rocket launchers. Officials said Humayun exported to Malaysia F-5 and F-14 fighter jet parts, as well as those for the CH-47 Chinook heavy-lift helicopter.
Humayun, a resident of Lynbrook, N.Y., said he did not know the end users of the defense equipment sent to the Malaysian company. The Justice Department concluded that the main client was Iran.
"As is well-documented in public reports, the sole customer of F-14 parts is the Iranian Air Force." said Michael Garcia, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York.
Geostrategy-Direct, www.geostrategy-direct.com, August 1, 2007
peace
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