Iran increases range of warplanes, says report

Tehran: Iran says it has increased the range of its warplanes, allowing them to fly as far as Israel andback without refuelling.

State TV is quoting air force chief General Ahmad Mighani as saying Iranian warplanes can now fly 3,000 kilometres without refuelling. He didn't specify the aircraft type or explain how the range was extended.

Israel is about 1,000 kilometres from Iran.

Such a range could be achieved by using external fuel tanks attached to the wings or fuselage that can be released when empty.

Sunday's report did not refer to Israel by name, but Mighani's remarks come after an Israeli air exercise in June that US officials described as a possible rehearsal for a strike on Iran's nuclear facilities.