Iran has just completed the necessary arrangements for the delivery of Sukhoi fighter jets type Su-35 and helicopters from Russia, according to Iran’s deputy defense minister. This move comes as Iran and Moscow seek to strengthen their military ties.
Currently, Iran’s air force is equipped with only a small number of strike aircraft, including aging U.S. models from before the country’s Islamic Revolution in 1979. Iran’s fleet of fighters probably comprises several notable aircraft models. These include the American F-4 Phantom and F-5 Tiger II, which originated from the Vietnam era. Additionally, there are some locally manufactured variants of the F-5. It is worth noting that the number of operational F-14 Tomcats is likely limited due to international sanctions that hinder Iran from obtaining replacement parts. Alongside these, there are also a few Russian Mig-29s and Su-24s, French Mirage F1s, and Chinese J-7s present in their fleet.
Iran’s deputy Defence Minister, Mehdi Farahi, stated that arrangements have been concluded for the introduction of Yak-130 jet trainers, Mil Mi-28 attack helicopters, and Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets into the warfare units of Iran’s Army.
In 2018, Iran announced the commencement of production for its locally-designed Kowsar fighter, which experts believe is a replica of the U.S.-produced F-5 interceptors from the 1960s.
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