Iran’s Indigenous Simorgh Transport Aircraft Nears Commercial Entry

Iran’s domestically developed Simorgh transport aircraft is expected to enter the commercial aviation cycle in the Iranian year 1406 (2027–28) after completing the standard certification process, according to the Secretary of the Aerospace, Transportation, and Urban Development Staff of the Vice Presidency for Science and Technology. The official said the aircraft has reached the standard acquisition stage, marking a significant milestone toward commercial operations.

Developed amid years of foreign sanctions and restrictions on access to aviation technology, the Simorgh project is aimed at addressing Iran’s growing demand for air cargo transportation rather than serving as a symbolic achievement. Designed primarily for cargo and freight missions, the aircraft is intended to strengthen the country’s operational logistics while enhancing domestic expertise in aircraft design, testing, certification, and manufacturing.

Iranian officials view the Simorgh as an important step in expanding the country’s indigenous aviation capabilities. They say the project builds on experience gained from previous domestic aerospace initiatives and will help strengthen one of the aviation sector’s least developed but strategically important areas—air cargo and logistical support—while laying the groundwork for the future development of more advanced domestically produced aircraft.