Iran Receives Two Sukhoi Su-35SE from Russia – German Report

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – The Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF) has reportedly received its first two Sukhoi Su-35SE fighter jets from Russia on November 18.

According to the German media outlet Flugrevue, the handover took place in a private ceremony at the Komsomolsk-on-Amur aircraft manufacturing facility (KnAAPO) in Russia’s Far East.

The two fighter jets were disassembled into several parts and transported to Tehran’s Mehrabad Airport using a Russian military Antonov An-124-100 transport aircraft.

Upon arrival in Tehran, the components were transported to an airbase in Hamadan for reassembly, marking Iran’s acquisition of its first 4.5-generation fighter jets.

These jets are expected to modernize Iran’s air force, which has relied on aging aircraft since the era of the Shah, prior to his overthrow in 1979 by Ayatollah Khomeini.

Currently, Iran’s air force operates legacy U.S.-made fighters, such as the F-14 Tomcat and the F-4 Phantom. Initially, Iran planned to procure Su-35SE jets to replace the F-14 Tomcats based in Isfahan.

Brief:

The Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF) has received its first two Sukhoi Su-35SE fighter jets from Russia, marking a significant step toward modernizing its aging fleet. The jets were delivered disassembled to Tehran and reassembled at Hamadan Airbase, Iran’s first acquisition of 4.5-generation fighters. Originally set to replace aging U.S.-made F-14 Tomcats, Iran has expanded its Su-35 order to 50 units, with additional deliveries expected soon.

Satellite imagery indicates large-scale construction at Hamadan Airbase to accommodate advanced aircraft. Reports suggest Russia has also authorized Iran to domestically assemble Su-35 and Su-30 jets under license, potentially boosting Iran’s fleet to over 100 fighters. This partnership signals a shift in regional air power dynamics, challenging the dominance of U.S.-aligned states in the Middle East.

However, the number of Su-35 orders was increased from 25 to 50 units.

This expansion will enable the air force to gradually retire some F-4 Phantoms currently deployed with the 31st Tactical Squadron in Hamadan.

Defence Security Asia recently reported that Iran is set to receive six additional Su-35 jets from Russia in the near future, likely to be stationed at the Hamadan Airbase as previously speculated.

These 4.5-generation “Super Sukhoi” jets will reportedly be delivered directly by Russian pilots.

The six jets represent the initial batch of Su-35s, with more expected in the coming months and years.

Construction activity at Hamadan Airbase, including large aircraft shelters, aligns with the anticipated arrival of advanced fighters.

Satellite imagery has revealed that these shelters are sizable, likely designed to accommodate larger, more sophisticated aircraft such as the Su-35.

International media also report that Russia has authorized Iran to domestically assemble licensed versions of the Su-35 and Su-30 fighters.

If confirmed, this move could significantly bolster Tehran’s aerial capabilities, which have lagged behind its other military branches.

Analysts suggest that domestic assembly could allow Iran to expand its fleet to over 100 Su-35 and Su-30 aircraft in the near term.

This collaboration between Iran and Russia poses a strategic challenge to pro-U.S. states in the Middle East, potentially disrupting the long-standing air superiority they have enjoyed. – DSA