Iran Confirms Acquisition of 24 Sukhoi Su-35 Fighters from Russi
Iran Confirms Acquisition of 24 Sukhoi Su35 Fighters from Russi.
Iran has confirmed that it has ordered Russian Sukhoi Su35 warplanes and expects to receive these cutting edge aircraft within three months.
It was reported that Iran would acquire 24 4,5 gen, twin engine, super maneuverable Su35 fighter jets. The Su35, developed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau and produced by Sukhoi, is primarily an air superiority fighter and one of the most powerful aircraft in the Russian armory.
The jets will arrive in Iran in the upcoming Iranian year, which starts on March 21, according to Shahriar Heidari, a member of the parliaments National Security Committee, who made the statement on January 15 to Tasnim News Agency.
The lawmaker pointed out that Iran has also purchased several other military hardware from Russia, including helicopters, missile systems, and air defense systems, most of which will be delivered soon.
Heidari omitted much information, including the contract amount and the transaction terms.
The Iranian news agency also added that the Russia made fighter jets would be housed at Tactical Air Base 8 of the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force. The base is situated in the city of Isfahan.
In the last few years, Iran hasnt purchased any new fighter aircraft except a few Russian MiG29 Fulcrum fighters it purchased in the 1990s.
Therefore, purchasing the cutting edge fighter jet is a significant upgrade to the ailing Iranian Air Force.
In September 2022, Hamid Vahedi, the head of the Iranian air force, stated that the procurement of the Sukhoi 35 from Russia is being explored by the Iranian air force.
The commander of the Iranian Air Force also said that the previously planned purchase of Russian Su30 fighters had been replaced with plans to acquire Su35S planes.
In December 2022, Western intelligence agencies revealed that Russia planned to offer Iran 24 Su35 jets in trade for kamikaze drones.The planes originally headed for Egypt are reportedly being diverted to Iran.
Cairo signed a deal with Moscow in early 2019 to procure Su35 warplanes. Later, Egypt abandoned its plans to purchase the aircraft, most likely due to the prospect of American sanctions.
That being said, Heidaris remarks also come as the Islamic Republic is under mounting criticism from the international community for its brutal suppression of anti government protests and execution of demonstrators.