Iran’s air force will be equipped to fend off potential aerial attacks from Israel when it receives its first batch of Sukhoi Su-35 aircraft from Russia next week, according to reports. This comes at a time when Tehran and Tel Aviv are on the verge of open conflict.
Iranian Air Force Upgrade; Acquisition of Su-35 ‘Flanker-E’ Aircraft and Potential S-400 Deal
Tehran is expected to receive the first of 24 Su-35 “Flanker-E” aircraft, according to reports. The Iranian Air Force, which has primarily relied on older fighter jets, has undergone a significant upgrade with the purchase of the 4.5 generation fighter aircraft from Russia.
The F-5, F-4 Phantom, and F-14 Tomcat are American-built aircraft that the Iranian Air Force currently flies, along with other models that it acquired during Shah Iran’s rule prior to the Islamic Revolution of 1979.
There were also rumors that Russia would soon supply Iran with cutting-edge air defense systems, such as the S-400 “Triumf.” Prominent American media outlets have reported that Moscow is taking this action as part of its attempts to strengthen Iran’s air defense capabilities in case the US and Israel launch airstrikes.
Russia reportedly offered Tehran the cutting-edge S-400 “Triumf” air defense system, which would improve Iran’s capacity to fend off airstrikes from Israel and the United States, according to a recent report.
That's quite a significant upgrade for the Iranian Air Force. The Su-35 "Flanker-E" is a formidable aircraft known for its air superiority capabilities. This delivery could certainly enhance Iran's military capabilities in the region. pic.twitter.com/DhKdwnMJUG
— POWER CORRIDORS (@power_corridors) April 20, 2024
Also Read: MEA issues advisory for Indians visiting Iran & Israel amidst increased Middle East armed conflict
Iran Explores Military Cooperation with Russia
A delegation from Iran is said to have visited several military manufacturing sites in Russia last month, including those that produce vital parts for the S-400 system. The delegation, which included seventeen high-ranking Iranian officials, paid a visit to the Yekaterinburg company premises of START NPP.
In the West, the S-400 system is highly respected for its capacity to identify and eliminate air targets, including F-35 stealth fighters. Targets up to 400 kilometers away can be engaged by it, and its powerful radars can penetrate stealth systems used by bombers and aircraft like the F-35.
Iran’s Deputy Defense Minister, Brigadier General Mahdi Farahi, declared in November of last year that agreements to purchase Su-35 fighters and Mil Mi-28 “Havoc” attack helicopters from Russia had been completed.
Iran previously received the Russian-built Yak-130 “Mitten” trainer aircraft in September. Iranian pilots will use this aircraft to train to fly fifth-generation Su-57 “Felon” jets and advanced 4+++ generation fighters like the Su-35.
Also Read: Bolstering defense in the Indo-Pacific region: India arms Philippines with BrahMos missiles
Implications of Su-35 Fighters Transfer to Iran and Military Cooperation with Russia
The Su-35 fighters’ transfer to Iran is probably a “reward” for Iran’s military assistance to Russia, which also includes ballistic missiles that have been used recently to target Ukrainian military installations and infrastructure, as well as thousands of “Shahed-136” suicide drones.
Middle Eastern military observers believe that the arrival of the Su-35 jets will support Tehran’s efforts to update its air force, which is currently dependent on outdated US aircraft that were purchased during the pro-Western Shah Iran regime, including the F-4 Phantom, F-14 Tomcat, and F-5.
Following the revolution that toppled Shah Iran in 1979, Ayatollah Khomeini’s leadership took over the country. The Iranian Air Force also uses older fighters from France and China in addition to aircraft built in the United States and Russia. — DSA .
