Iran has revamped its fighter jet fleet to fly distances of 3,000 kilometers without refueling, an Iranian Air Force commander says.

Brigadier General Ahmad Miqani said Sunday that the measure was taken to improve the country's defensive capabilities.

He, however, did not specify the warplanes types.

The report comes after an Israeli long-range air drill in early June that is believed to have been a dress rehearsal for an attack on Iranian nuclear facilities.

Despite the UN nuclear watchdog declaration that Iran enriches uranium to 3 percent, a rate consistent with the development of a nuclear power plant, Israel and the US continue to accuse Iran, a signatory of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), of pursuing military nuclear program.

The two staunch allies have threatened to launch military strikes on Iran's nuclear sites should the country continue uranium enrichment.

Tehran has warned that Israel and 32 US bases in the region will be targeted should the country come under attack.
Although Brig. Gen. Miqani did not elaborate on the process, it has been suggested that external fuel tanks attached to the wings or fuselage can provide the extra fuel.

The achievement comes after Iran announced in July that it started producing radar-evading stealth aircrafts as well as overhauling F-14 fighter jets.

HSH/MD/HGH