TEHRAN – Iran says it's increased the range of its warplanes, allowing them to fly as far as Israel and back without refueling.
State TV is quoting air force chief Gen. Ahmad Mighani as saying Iranian warplanes can now fly 1,865 miles without refueling. He didn't specify the aircraft type or explain how the range was extended.
Israel is about 620 miles 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 U.S. officials described as a possible rehearsal for a strike on Iran's nuclear facilities.
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