For the First Time, Senior IRGC Official Confirms Iran’s Acquisition of Sukhoi Su-35
The acquisition of the Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets by Iran was confirmed by Ali Shamdani, Deputy Coordinator of the Khatam-ol-Anbia Central Headquarters, in an interview with Student News Network, as cited by Reuters.
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – For the first time, a senior official of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has acknowledged that the country has acquired 4.5-generation Sukhoi Su-35 (Flanker-E) fighter jets from Russia to modernize its air force, which currently relies on aging aircraft.
The acquisition of the Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets by Iran was confirmed by Ali Shamdani, Deputy Coordinator of the Khatam-ol-Anbia Central Headquarters, in an interview with Student News Network, as cited by Reuters.
“Whenever necessary, we make military purchases to strengthen our air, land, and naval forces. … The production of military equipment has also accelerated. If the enemy acts unwisely, it will face the bitter consequences of being struck by our missiles, and none of its interests in occupied territories will remain safe,” he stated.
Shamdani, however, did not disclose the number of Sukhoi Su-35 jets acquired by Iran from Russia or whether the jets have already been delivered.
In November 2023, Iran’s Tasnim News Agency reported that Tehran had finalized arrangements to purchase fighter jets from Russia.
Earlier this month, Iran and Russia signed a comprehensive strategic partnership, which, although not explicitly mentioning arms transfers, stated that both nations would enhance their “military-technical cooperation.”
According to Defence Security Asia, Tehran’s Sukhoi Su-35 fighter aircrafts are expected to enter service with the Iranian Air Force this year, a report corroborated by Iran Observer through its account on platform X.
The Sukhoi Su-35 is a 4.5-generation fighter jet, and its introduction into the Iranian Air Force is expected to significantly enhance the nation’s air capabilities, which have long struggled with modernization efforts due to international economic and military sanctions.
The inclusion of the Sukhoi Su-35 in the Iranian Air Force’s inventory is also poised to shift the balance of air power in the Middle East, which has traditionally been dominated by U.S. allies operating modern Western-made fighter jets.
Currently, the most advanced aircraft in the Iranian Air Force are the MiG-29, acquired decades ago, and American-made F-4 and F-14 fighters purchased during the Shah of Iran’s reign before 1979.
Iran reportedly received its first two Sukhoi Su-35SE fighter jets on November 18, 2023.
According to the German media outlet “Flugrevue,” the delivery of the two jets took place during a private ceremony at the Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aircraft Plant (KnAAPO) in Russia’s Far East.
“The two Sukhoi Su-35 jets were disassembled into several parts and transported to Tehran’s Mehrabad Airport using a Russian Antonov An-124-100 military transport aircraft,” the report stated.
Once at Mehrabad Airport, the fighter jet components were transported to the Hamadan Air Force Base for reassembly, enabling Iran to field its first 4.5-generation fighter jets.
The German media report also suggested that Iran intends to replace its F-14 Tomcat fleet based in Isfahan with the Su-35SE jets.
Iran is expected to receive up to 50 Sukhoi Su-35 jets, surpassing the previously reported figure of 24.
The addition of these 50 Su-35 jets will allow the Iranian Air Force to retire some of its aging F-4 Phantom jets currently in service with the 31st Tactical Squadron based in Hamadan.
Defence Security Asia reported that Iran would receive six Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets in the near term, likely to be stationed at the Hamadan Air Base, as previously speculated.
The six Su-35 jets, nicknamed “Super Sukhoi,” are expected to be flown by Russian pilots to Iran’s airbase, as reported on social media platforms.
These six jets are believed to be part of the first batch of several groups of Su-35 fighters expected to be delivered by Russia to Iran over the coming months and years.
The arrival of these Su-35 jets at Hamadan Air Base aligns with the ongoing construction of several hardened aircraft shelters at the facility.
— DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA
