Iran shows domestically produced helicopters

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) -- Iran's state TV says the country has put its first domestically produced helicopters into service, displaying them at an air show.

The report says the 12-passenger Panha-1 and eight-passenger Panha-2 helicopters have military capabilities.

The unveiling came Tuesday during an aviation exhibition on the Gulf island of Kish.

Iran also displayed a new six-passenger airplane and landing gear for a jet fighter.

Iran began a military self-sufficiency program in 1992. It periodically announces accomplishments in the fields of industry and military production.

Ten countries, including Russia, China, Ukraine, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Sudan, are participating in the exhibition that ends Friday.

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