An Iranian Saeqeh jet launches rockets during a war-game in the northwest of Iran September 6, 2006. -Xinhua/AFP

Iran has developed a "totally homemade" jet fighter which is similar to the American F-5, the official Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) reported Thursday.

The jet fighter, named "Azarakhsh," or Lightening, has the function of close-range air support and can act as a light bomber as well, Brigade General Javad Mohammadian said.

The single-seat war plane was designed by engineers of theIranian air force's Shahid Sattri University, said Mohammadian, who was a spokesman for Iran's ongoing "Blow of Zolfaghar" wargames.

Iran on Wednesday had announced the development of a war plane named "Saeqeh", or Thunderbolt, which it described as similar to the US F-18 fighter jet.

Commander of the Iranian armed forces Ataollah Salehi said on Wednesday that the "Saeqeh" fighter was one of those tested in the ongoing wargames in northwestern Iran.

"For the first time, the Saeqeh fighter plane carried out a mission to bomb virtual enemy targets on Wednesday in northwestern Iran," IRNA quoted Salehi as saying.

"The Blow of Zolfaghar" wargames, began on Aug. 19 in different parts of Iran, were expected to last for about 5 weeks. Zolfaghar is the sword used by Imam Ali, one of the most revered figures for Shiite Muslims.

The military maneuvers come when Tehran is facing heightened pressure as it has rejected a UN Security Council resolution that urges Iran to halt uranium enrichment.

In April, Iran launched a large-scale military exercise, the biggest in years. During that exercise, Iran tested advanced weapons including missiles and torpedoes.