Article Posted on : - Sep 29, 2010

This photo released on Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2010, by the Iranian Defense Ministry, claims to show a Bavar-2, or Confidence-2, radar-evading flying boat.

TEHRAN (AP): Iran's state TV says the country's powerful Revolutionary Guard has received its first three squadrons of radar-evading flying boats.

The development comes after Iran in 2009 said it had successfully tested the domestically made craft. A flying boat is a fixed-winged seaplane with a hull that allows it to land on water.

It's part of Tehran's efforts to boost its arsenal and military capabilities despite international sanctions over the country's controversial nuclear programme.

Iran's military achievements cannot be independently verified. The state TV broadcast footage of the craft in operation in the air and sea.

Tuesday's report says the plane dubbed Bavar-2 or Confidence-2 can be used for surveillance. It can also carry guns and transmit data.