Iran has confirmed the purchase of Russian-made Sukhoi-35 fighter jets, as stated by a senior commander of the Revolutionary Guards on Monday, amid growing concerns in the West regarding the deepening military ties between Tehran and Moscow.
This marks the first official confirmation from Iran about acquiring the Su-35 jets. However, Ali Shadmani, quoted by the Student News Network, did not specify the number of jets purchased or whether they had already been delivered to Iran.
“We make military purchases when necessary to strengthen our air, land, and naval forces. The production of military equipment has also accelerated,” said Shadmani, who is the deputy Coordinator of the Khatam-ol-Anbia Central Headquarters.
He also issued a warning, stating that if the enemy acts recklessly, it will face the consequences of being struck by Iran’s missiles, with no interests in the occupied territories remaining safe, referring to Israel, Iran’s main regional adversary.
In November 2023, Iranian news agency Tasnim reported that Tehran had finalized arrangements to acquire Russian fighter jets.
Earlier this month, Iran and Russia signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement, which did not specifically mention arms transfers but emphasized the enhancement of their “military-technical cooperation.”
Iran’s air force currently operates a limited number of strike aircraft, including Russian-made jets and older U.S. models obtained before the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
