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Drone or Fighter Jet... Iran Signs Contract to Import Su-35 from Russia

Introduction of 4.5 Generation Fighter Jets, Strengthening Air Force Power
First New Fighter Jets Since the 1979 Iranian Revolution

The Iranian government announced that it has signed a contract to supply Russian Su-35 fighter jets, drawing attention to the strengthening of military cooperation between the two countries. Iran, which is introducing next-generation fighter jets for the first time since the 1979 Iranian Revolution, is expected to significantly enhance its air force capabilities, greatly impacting the military balance in the Middle East region.


Drone or Fighter Jet... Iran Signs Contract to Import Su-35 from Russia [Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

On the 11th (local time), Iran's state-run IRNA news agency reported that Iran and Russia have signed a contract for the supply of Su-35 fighter jets. The Iranian mission to the United Nations stated in a press release, "We conveyed our intention to import fighter jets to several countries, and Russia responded that it is ready to sell fighter jets to Iran."


The Iranian mission claims that since the arms import ban under UN Resolution 2231 ended in October 2020, Iran is allowed to purchase Russian-made Su-35 fighter jets. However, IRNA added that the number of fighter jets Iran has purchased is confidential and cannot be disclosed. The initial batch of these fighter jets is expected to arrive in Iran next month.



Russia's Su-35 fighter jet is an upgraded version of the existing Su-27 model and is classified as a 4.5-generation fighter jet, possessing performance between 4th and 5th generation fighters. Although specific contract details have not been disclosed, it is presumed that Russia exported the fighter jets in exchange for drones, as Russia has been importing large quantities of Iranian drones for use in the Ukraine war.


With this contract, the Iranian Air Force will be able to deploy new fighter jets for the first time in over 40 years. Since the 1979 Iranian Revolution, Iran has been unable to import new fighter jets due to the cessation of U.S. military support. After the introduction of the F-14 fighter jets from the U.S., no new fighter jets were acquired, leading to severe aging of the fleet. As Iran acquires 4.5-generation fighter jets, the military balance in the Middle East region is expected to be significantly altered in the future.


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