Iran and Russia agree on purchase of Su-35 fighter jets
Iran to receive Russian Su-35 fighter jets (wikipedia.org)
Iran has reached agreements with Moscow for the supply of Russian-made Su-35 fighter jets, Mi-28 attack helicopters, and Yak-130 training aircraft, according to Deputy Minister of Defense of Iran, General Mahdi Farahi.
He announced the completion of plans to integrate Su-35 fighters, Mi-28 attack helicopters, and Yak-130 training aircraf into the combat units of the Iranian armed forces. According to him, these three modern military aircraft will definitely be at Iran's disposal, and this process is already underway.
Iran's Air Force currently has only a few dozen attack aircraft, including Russian planes and outdated American models acquired before the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
In recent years, Iran has not acquired any new fighter jets, except for a few Russian MiG-29 fighters purchased in the 1990s. In 2018, Iran claimed to have started production of the locally developed Kowsar fighter for use in its Air Force. Military experts believe that this aircraft is an exact copy of the F-5, first produced in the USA in the 1960s.
Iran and Russia have signed significant military agreements. According to Tasnim, in September, the Iranian Air Force received the first Yak-130 training aircraft from Russian production.
The Yak-130 is a supersonic two-seat jet trainer and light combat aircraft. It is supposed to assist Iranian military pilots in training for the operation of new fighters, such as the Su-57.
Unsuccessful purchase
In July, the Bourse & Bazaar Foundation analytical center reported that Iran had paid for 50 Russian Su-35 fighters, but Russia has yet to deliver any of them.
Iran has been waiting for well over a year to receive the Russian Su-35s, which will significantly modernize the capabilities of its outdated Air Force.
When purchased, Russia promised to deliver the Su-35s in 2023. However, almost no one now expects the delivery to take place this year.
Russia is using Iranian drones to carry out strikes on Ukrainian territory. In addition, Ukrainian partners have again discussed the possible transfer of Iranian ballistic missiles to Russia. There is currently no confirmation, but this threat can no longer be ignored.
