Iran to Receive Six Su-35 “Flanker-E” Fighter Jets from Russia Soon ??

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – Iran is reportedly set to receive six Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets from Russia in the near future, with the aircraft likely to be stationed at Hamadan Air Base.

The six 4.5-generation fighter jets, nicknamed “Flanker-E” will be flown to Iran by Russian pilots, according to information shared on social media platforms.

The deployment of Su-35s at Hamadan Air Base aligns with ongoing construction of fortified aircraft shelters at the Iranian Air Force base, which has been under significant development in recent months.

Recent reports from international defense media, supported by satellite imagery, reveal that these shelters are notably large, suggesting they are designed to house advanced and larger fighter jets.

Defense analysts have speculated that these newly constructed shelters are intended for the Su-35 fighters Iran is expected to acquire from Russia.

They also indicate that Tehran’s efforts to procure 4.5-generation fighter jets from Moscow are progressing despite earlier reports of challenges in the acquisition process.

Brief:

Iran is set to receive six Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets from Russia, which are likely to be stationed at Hamadan Air Base. This delivery aligns with the ongoing construction of fortified shelters at the base, reportedly designed for advanced aircraft. Analysts suggest this marks progress in Tehran’s efforts to acquire 4.5-generation jets, with additional reports indicating Russia has allowed Iran to domestically assemble Su-35 and Su-30 fighters, potentially boosting Iran’s fleet to over 100 jets.

The collaboration is seen as a shift in regional power dynamics, challenging U.S.-aligned nations in the Middle East. The Su-35 sale follows Egypt’s cancellation of a similar deal under U.S. pressure. The transfer may also serve as compensation for Iran’s military support to Russia in Ukraine, including kamikaze drones and ballistic missiles.

Recently, international media reported that Russia has granted Iran a license to domestically assemble Sukhoi Su-35 and Su-30 fighter jets.

If confirmed, this development could significantly enhance Tehran’s aerial combat capabilities, which are considered lagging behind its other military branches.

Observers note that domestic assembly could allow Iran’s Air Force to acquire over 100 Su-35 and Su-30 fighters in the near future.

Such collaboration between Iran and Russia is perceived as a strategic shift that could alter the regional balance of power, presenting a challenge to pro-U.S. countries in the Middle East that have historically dominated air superiority.

Earlier reports indicated that Russia decided to sell its Su-35 jets after Egypt canceled an order for 24 units under pressure from the United States.

Cairo had initially signed a deal with Moscow for the Su-35s but withdrew following threats of economic sanctions under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).

The delivery of the Russian-made Su-35 “Flanker-E” to Iran may also be part of a broader quid pro quo arrangement, compensating Tehran for its military support to Moscow during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Iran has supplied Russia with thousands of Shahed-136 kamikaze drones and, more recently, ballistic missiles used in attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure and military positions. — DSA