On the topic of Iranian indigineous fighters, we were wondering earlier whether it wouldn't have been better giving their existing fleet a deep modernisation in the interim.
It appears that movement toward this is happening.
The F-4D's are apparently undergoing a deep modernisation using Chinese and Iranian components..
The Dowran Phase 1 upgrade involves avionics, Phase 2 involves armament.
MFD's in both front and rear cockpits, Chinese radar and HUD, PL-7 IR and PL-12 BVRAAM, new RWR and chaff dispensors, and rewiring of the airframe.
2 airframes have gone through the process already.
Once the limited amount of F-4D's have gone through the cycle, the more numerous F-4E's will go through.
Link with pictures. Halfway down is an article from CombatAircraft with more details.
http://www.iranmilitaryforum.net/air-forces/iriaf-f-4s/275/
This is what should have happened long time ago.
If this programme is a success and is completed, you'd think the F-14 and Mig-29 airframes would also benefit from a similar programme.