TheImmortal
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yes, a local version of J79, 30-40 even 50 years late, would consume more fuel than a modern engine, would also make more smoke, but would be produced locally, therefore without the risk of remaining without spare parts coming from abroad.
However around one or two of these "owj" J79 it would always be possible to make a high performance fighter.
No J79 is not suitable for any modern day fighter. A kowsar like fighter sure, but that is merely a 1970’s fighter with some modern avionics systems. It’s smoke and exhaust would give it away to modern infrared military anti air systems.
J79 is merely a stepping stone. According to Iran, the RQ-170 engine advanced Iran’s knowledge 20-30 years. J79 development is pre RQ-170. So Iran is likely ahead here, by how much is anyone’s guess.
The next step will be to see what engine Iran is working on currently maybe something along the lines of AL-31 or it might decide to reverse engineer F-14 engines if it wants a heavy interceptor fighter.
Iran has sought the blueprints of F-35 engines, so the desire is there for a advanced modern homegrown engine. The issue is getting it’s hands on such technology is not easy.