Iran Secures Deal for Su-35, Mi-28 “Havoc” Attack Helicopters from Russia
Military analysts in the Middle East anticipate that the acquisition of Su-35 aircraft by Iran will, to some degree, contribute to Tehran's endeavors to modernize its air force, presently dependent on aging fighter aircraft.
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — Iran’s Deputy Defense Minister Brigadier General Mahdi Farahi declared that the Persian-country has successfully concluded negotiations with Russia for the procurement of Su-35 fighter jets and Mil Mi-28 “Havoc” combat helicopters for its armed forces.
Iran has already received light combat aircraft and Fighter Lead-In Trainer (FLIT) Yak-130 “Mitten,” last September.
The Yak-130 “Mitten” FLIT aircraft will enable Iran to train its pilots in operating fourth-generation+++ fighters such as the Su-35 and fifth-generation fighters like the Su-57 “Felon.”
Tehran and Moscow have not disclosed the exact number of Yak-130 “Mitten” training aircraft acquired by Iran, but it is believed to be a preparation ahead of the delivery of Su-35 fighter jets.
The process to acquire the fighter jets and combat helicopters by Iran has been completed, and all assets of the Iranian Armed Forces will soon be under the control of the state.
The Deputy Minister of Defense of Iran claims that the country possesses the largest fleet of helicopters in the region both in terms of quantity and capability, the latter having been enhanced through various upgrade projects.
Iran has not procured any new fighter aircraft in recent years, except for a few MiG-29 fighters acquired in the 1990s.
Since the armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine erupted in February of the previous year, Tehran and Moscow have strengthened defense cooperation between the two nations.
It is reported that Iran is set to possess a total of 24 Su-35 fighter jets manufactured by Russia.
Initially intended for Egypt, the entire batch of 24 Su-35 fighter jets was cancelled after the threat of U.S. economic sanctions under CAATSA.
Following Egypt’s cancellation, Russia proceeded to sell the aircraft to Iran.
The reception of these fourth-generation++ Russian-made fighter jets is likely part of a reciprocal arrangement for the military assistance provided by Iran to Russia in its campaign in Ukraine.
Tehran supplied Russia with thousands kamikaze drones specifically Shahed-136, which were used to target infrastructure and military positions in Ukraine.
According to military observers in the Middle East, the acquisition of Su-35 fighter jets by Iran is expected to contribute to Tehran’s efforts to modernize its air force, which currently relies on aging fighter jets.
Presently, the Iranian Air Force still operates outdated U.S.-made aircraft such as the F-4 Phantom, F-14 Tomcat, and F-5, acquired during Iran’s pro-Western Shah era.
The government of Shah Iran collapsed in a revolution in 1979, subsequently taken over by Ayatollah Khomeini.
In addition to aircraft from Russia and the United States, the Iranian Air Force also operates older fighter aircraft from France and China. — DSA
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