As military cooperation between Tehran and Moscow continues, reports indicate that Iran has acquired advanced Sukhoi-35 fighter jets from Russia as part of its efforts to enhance military capabilities. Iran’s state-run Student News Network announced the agreement on Monday.
Ali Shadmani, Deputy Coordinator at the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), stated, “We procure military equipment when necessary to strengthen our air, land, and naval forces. The production of military hardware has also accelerated.” He also warned Israel, emphasizing that if “the enemy acts foolishly, it will taste the bitter impact of our missiles, and none of its interests in the occupied territories will be safe.”
However, Shadmani did not provide specific details on whether the jets had already been delivered. Iranian state media had previously reported in November 2023 that Tehran had reached an agreement to acquire fighter jets from Russia.
Sukhoi-35 Purchase: The Result of Long Negotiations
Iran first expressed its intent to purchase Sukhoi-35 fighter jets from Russia in 2022. Over the past few years, Iranian officials have announced that Russia would supply Iran with several Sukhoi-35 aircraft, though previous statements had not materialized into confirmed deliveries.
Negotiations between Russia and Iran over advanced fighter jets date back to 2007 when Iran explored acquiring Su-30MK jets. However, United Nations sanctions and Russian hesitation ultimately prevented the deal. Talks resumed in 2015 for Su-30SM aircraft, but Iran’s demand for domestic production rights led to another breakdown in negotiations.
First Sukhoi-35SE Jets Delivered to Iran
According to the German aviation magazine Flug Revue, the first two Sukhoi Su-35SE fighter jets were delivered to the Iranian Air Force during a special ceremony at the Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aircraft Plant on November 18. The aircraft were transported in a disassembled state to Tehran’s Mehrabad Airport via an Antonov An-124-100 cargo plane and were subsequently reassembled at the 3rd Tactical Air Base near Hamadan.
Initially, Iran placed an order for 25 Sukhoi-35SE jets to replace its aging U.S.-made Grumman F-14A Tomcat fighters. However, the order was later increased to 50 aircraft to also replace the F-4E Phantom II jets stationed in Hamadan.
Russia’s Military Losses and Arms Transfers to Iran
During its invasion of Ukraine, Russia struggled to establish air superiority and suffered significant aircraft losses. Meanwhile, Iran has prioritized the development of drones and missiles as part of its efforts to modernize its aging air force.
According to the U.S., Iran has supplied Russia with hundreds of drones, used to target Ukraine’s military and civilian infrastructure. Moscow, however, denies these claims. In November 2023, satellite images revealed a facility in Russia constructed for the production of Iranian-designed Shahed-136 drones.
Iran has also expressed interest in acquiring advanced Russian military systems, including the S-400 mobile surface-to-air missile system. In October, Israeli airstrikes reportedly neutralized Iran’s last three S-300 air defense missile systems.
Strategic Partnership Between Iran and Russia
As 2025 begins, Iran and Russia have signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement emphasizing further military-technical cooperation rather than direct arms transfers. The deal underscores the deepening military alliance between the two nations.
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