(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — Amid tensions between Iran and Israel, Russia has reportedly offered Tehran its advanced S-400 “Triumf” air defense system, enhancing Iran’s capability to counter Israeli and American air strikes.
According to a recent report by The Washington Post, last month Moscow hosted an Iranian delegation to tour various Russian military manufacturing facilities, including those involved in producing components for the long-range air defence system, the S-400.
The 17-member delegation from Iran visited START NPP in Yekaterinburg, a company integral to the production of critical components for the S-400 system.
The S-400 is highly regarded in the West for its ability to detect and destroy air targets, including stealth fighter jets such as the F-35, over distances up to 400km.
Both the United States and Israeli Air Forces use the F-35 aircraft.
Variants of the S-400 system are equipped with high-power radars capable of defeating the stealth technology used by aircraft like the F-35 and stealth bombers.
Russia has also reportedly deployed the S-400 systems at its military bases in Syria, posing a threat to Israeli and US fighter jets operating in the region.
US intelligence officials suggest that the visit by the Iranian delegation to Russia’s weapons manufacturing facilities underscores the close defense relationship between the two nations, particularly following the conflict in Ukraine.
Russia is known to have used Iran-developed “Shahed-136” kamikaze drones in its attacks on Ukrainian military targets and civilian infrastructure like powerplants.
In addition to these drones, Iran has also supplied Russia with drones for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) purposes.
In February, Iran as reported by international news agency, Reuters sent around 400 high-powered surface-to-surface missiles to Russia, further evidence of the strengthening defense and military ties between the two countries.
Most of these missiles belong to the “Fateh-110” family, such as the “Zolfaghar,” capable of hitting targets from 300km to 700km away.
Iran is believed to use ships through the Caspian Sea route and transport aircraft to deliver these missiles to Russia.
In November last year, Iranian Deputy Defense Minister Brigadier General Mahdi Farahi announced that Iran had finalized a deal with Russia to acquire Su-35 fighter jets and Mil Mi-28 “Havoc” combat helicopters.
Iran had already received the light fighter/trainer aircraft Yak-130 “Mitten” from Russia in September, which will enable Iran to train its pilots to operate advanced fourth-generation fighters like the Su-35, as well as fifth-generation fighters such as the Su-57 “Felon.”
Iran is set to receive a total of 24 Su-35 fighter jets, originally intended for Egypt, which cancelled the purchase following economic sanction threats from the United States under CAATSA if it proceeded with the acquisition of Russian aircraft. — DSA