Iranian Simorgh aircraft nears operational certification

The Secretary of the Aerospace, Transportation, and Urban Development Staff of the Vice Presidency for Science and Technology announced that the Simorgh transport aircraft is now in the standard acquisition stage and will likely enter the commercial cycle in the Iranian year 1406 (next year). This development comes as Iran's aviation industry faces foreign supply restrictions and an increasing need for air transportation. The Simorgh project is designed as a cargo and freight transport aircraft, aiming to strengthen the country's operational capability and enhance technical and industrial capacities in design, testing, standard acquisition, and production.

The aircraft is based on the Iran-140 platform and is intended to advance localization in the aviation industry. Officials emphasize that Simorgh is not merely symbolic but addresses a real need in the aviation chain. The project involves knowledge-based companies, which contribute to subsystems, testing, documentation, and licensing. Shokri, Secretary of the Headquarters for the Development of the Knowledge-Based Economy of Aerospace, Transportation, and Urban Development, stated that the Vice Presidency provided full support last year and continues to do so. The project is now undergoing standard acquisition, licensing, and certification processes with cooperation from HESA and the Civil Aviation Organization.

Shokri noted that estimates still target the year 1406, though a short delay may occur due to interruptions. He clarified that the Vice Presidency acts as a facilitator, and the exact timeline is determined by project executors and the Civil Aviation Organization. According to Mehr News Agency, the Simorgh project exemplifies the linkage between the aviation industry and the country's innovation ecosystem.