Iran Poised for a Groundbreaking Reveal: Will It Unveil Its Sukhoi Su-35 Fighter Jets on March 19?

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – The veil of secrecy shrouding Iran’s acquisition of the formidable Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets is about to be lifted, as Tehran is reportedly preparing for a highly anticipated public unveiling of its cutting-edge Russian-made warplanes on March 19.

The announcement coincides with the Persian New Year celebration, known as Nowruz which  symbolizes hope, prosperity, and new beginnings.

Nowruz will officially be observed on March 20.

Iranian defense analysts have hinted at a game-changing revelation on March 19, cryptically warning that “something significant” is on the horizon—yet they remain tight-lipped on the details.

Meanwhile, Iranian social media is ablaze with intrigue, as blurred images of the elusive Su-35 fighter jets circulate, intensifying speculation.

Despite the growing frenzy, Tehran has yet to issue any official confirmation, leaving the world on edge as the countdown begins.

However, the acquisition itself had already been officially acknowledged by the authorities.

For the first time late last month, a senior official from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed that the country had procured Russian-made Sukhoi Su-35 (Flanker-E) 4.5-generation fighter jets as part of efforts to modernize its air force, which has long relied on aging aircraft.

Iran’s acquisition of the Su-35 fighter jets was confirmed by Deputy Coordinator of the Khatam-ol-Anbia Central Headquarters, Ali Shamdani, in an interview with Student News Network, later cited by international news agencies, including Reuters.

“When necessary, we procure military equipment to strengthen our air, ground, and naval forces… The production of military hardware has also been accelerated.

If our enemies act recklessly, they will face the bitter consequences of our missile strikes, and none of their assets in the occupied territories will be safe,” Shamdani warned.

However, he did not disclose the exact number of Su-35 fighter jets Iran had acquired from Russia or whether the aircraft had already been delivered.

In November 2023, Iran’s Tasnim News Agency reported that Tehran had finalized preparations to purchase fighter jets from Russia.

In January, Defence Security Asia reported that Iran’s newly acquired Sukhoi Su-35s would enter service with the Iranian Air Force this year.

As a 4.5-generation fighter jet, the Su-35’s introduction into the Iranian Air Force is expected to significantly enhance the country’s aerial combat capabilities.

For years, Iran has struggled to modernize its air force due to international economic and military sanctions.

The presence of the Su-35 in Iran’s arsenal is also likely to shift the balance of air power in the Middle East, which has long been dominated by U.S.-aligned nations operating advanced Western-made fighter jets.

Currently, the most advanced fighters in Iran’s air force are MiG-29s, acquired decades ago, along with older U.S.-made F-4 and F-14 aircraft purchased during the Shah’s rule before the 1979 revolution.

Reports indicate that Iran received its first two Russian-made Sukhoi Su-35SE fighter jets on November 18.

Toward the end of last year, German media outlet Flugrevue claimed that the delivery of these two aircraft took place in a private ceremony at the Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aircraft Production Association (KnAAPO) facility in Russia’s Far East.

“The two Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets were disassembled into multiple parts before being flown to Tehran’s Mehrabad Airport aboard a Russian Air Force Antonov An-124-100 transport aircraft,” the report stated.

Upon arrival at Mehrabad Airport, the aircraft components were transported to an airbase in Hamadan for reassembly, marking Iran’s first operational 4.5-generation fighter jets.

According to the German media report, Iran seeks to acquire the Su-35SE to replace its aging fleet of F-14 Tomcats based in Isfahan.

Iran is now reportedly set to receive up to 50 Su-35 fighter jets—far more than the previously speculated 24.

With this increased number, the Iranian Air Force will be able to retire a portion of its aging F-4 Phantom fighters currently serving with the 31st Tactical Squadron in Hamadan.

Previously, Defence Security Asia reported that Iran is expected to receive six Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets from Russia in the near future, with speculation suggesting they will be stationed at Hamadan Air Base.

These six aircraft—dubbed “Super Sukhoi”—are reportedly part of an initial batch that will be flown to Iran by Russian pilots, as indicated by social media sources.

This first batch is believed to be the beginning of multiple deliveries of Su-35 fighter jets from Russia to Iran in the coming months and years.

The arrival of Su-35 jets at Hamadan Air Base aligns with ongoing construction of reinforced aircraft shelters at the Iranian military facility.

— DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA