The Zagrath-Simorgh ZS-12 Shain Talayi (Farsi: شاهین طلایی, “Golden Hawk”) is a lightweight 4th-generation multirole fighter developed by Zagrath-Simorgh Aerospace for the Islamic Air Force of Farikaan. Development began in March 2026, with the aircraft achieving its maiden flight on June 15, 2026. The ZS-12 was conceived as a domestically produced combat aircraft to strengthen Farikaan’s defense industry amid extreme regional instability, including insurgencies in East Iran, factional conflict, and the presence of Starcrest-controlled West Iran. Farikaan itself emerged following the fragmentation of Iran after the SECANT invasion, when the Iranian-Persian branch of the Jihadist Reformers seized political and economic control of the region and declared independence.

The ZS-12 was designed to replace Farikaan’s inherited and increasingly unsustainable fleet of legacy fighters, including F-4C Phantom IIs, F-5C Tigers, and F-14A Tomcats, alongside imported JF-17s and J-10s acquired from China. While not directly derived from any single aircraft, the ZS-12 incorporates design philosophies seen in the F-5 and JF-17, emphasizing compact size, affordability, and ease of maintenance over outright performance. The aircraft features a modernized airframe optimized for multirole flexibility, enabling it to conduct air defense, strike, and COIN missions within Farikaan’s contested airspace.

The ZS-12 is equipped with nine hardpoints and is compatible with Russian, Chinese, and Berkustani ordnance. Its primary air-to-air armament consists of the Berkustan BR-87 and BR-12 “Snipe” missiles, providing modern short- and medium-range air defense capability. For strike and counter-insurgency operations, the aircraft can employ FAB-500 unguided bombs, Berk GR-12 and GR-22 air-to-ground missiles, and the Berk GR-LGB 330 laser-guided bomb, giving it a flexible precision-strike role well suited to prolonged internal security operations. The ZS-12 Shain Talayi represents Farikaan’s first serious attempt at an indigenous modern combat aircraft and serves as a symbol of both strategic autonomy and political legitimacy for the fledgling state.