Russia Delivers Su-35 Fighter Jets to Iran: Bolstering Tehran’s Airpower
Iran’s air force received a significant upgrade on November 18th with the arrival of the first two Su-35SE fighter jets. The advanced fourth-generation aircraft were officially handed over during a ceremony at the Komsomolsk-on-Amur aircraft plant in Russia.
After the ceremonial handover, the Su-35s were carefully disassembled and transported aboard An-124 transport aircraft to Mehrabad Airport in Tehran. From there, they will be moved to the Islamic Republic Air Force Base in Hamadan.
Expanding Iran’s Fighter Fleet
This delivery marks the beginning of a substantial acquisition for Iran’s Air Force. Initially, 25 Su-35s were planned for order with the intention of replacing some of the aging F-14s stationed at Isfahan Air Force Base. However, Iran increased their order to 50 fighter jets. These new Su-35s are anticipated to ultimately replace Iran’s aging fleet of F-4s at the Hamadan base.
While rumors about the transfer of Su-35s to Iran had been circulating for some time, this delivery represents concrete evidence. The deal also reportedly includes the transfer of Mi-28 attack helicopters and Yak-130 trainer aircraft to Tehran.
A Heavyweight Contender in the Skies
The Su-35 is a formidable multirole fighter jet, first taking to the skies on February 19, 2008. It was developed by Russia based on the Soviet-era Su-27 air superiority fighter. The Su-35 is considered by many experts to be the most powerful Russian fighter jet currently in service, excluding the highly advanced (and scarce) Su-57.
Its capabilities have garnered significant attention, particularly the “extremely dangerous” designation given to it by the National Interest publication in a hypothetical conflict scenario with the United States. It poses a considerable threat not only to American aircraft but also to NATO forces.
Key Strengths and Limitations
One of the Su-35’s notable strengths lies in its ability to employ the R-37M air-to-air missile, a weapon with an impressive range of 300 kilometers (approximately 186 miles). This long-range capability puts it among the few aircraft equipped with such a potent weapon system. Other carriers of the R-37M include the MiG-31BM and Su-30SM2 fighter jets.
Despite its formidable capabilities, the Su-35 does have some limitations. It lacks the advanced stealth technology employed by more modern fighters, making it more vulnerable to radar detection. Additionally, its radar system, while powerful, is not the latest technology available.
What are the potential implications of Iran acquiring advanced Su-35 fighter jets for regional stability in the Middle East?
## Iran Rejoins the Fighter Jet Race with Russian Su-35 Delivery
**Host:** Welcome back. Today we’re discussing the recent delivery of Su-35 fighter jets from Russia to Iran. Joining me is Dr. Sarah Ahmed, an expert on Middle Eastern military affairs. Dr. Ahmed, can you give us some context on this significant development?
**Dr. Ahmed:** Absolutely. Iran’s air force has been grappling with an aging fleet for years, relying heavily on outdated aircraft like the F-14 Tomcat. The acquisition of 50 Su-35s, as indicated by the recent delivery of the first two, represents a major leap forward for Tehran’s airpower. These are advanced, fourth-generation fighter jets with superior capabilities compared to Iran’s existing inventory.
**Host:** This deal comes amidst growing cooperation between Russia and Iran. Is there a geopolitical dimension to this arms transfer?
**Dr. Ahmed:** Definitely. As mentioned in [[1](https://www.popularmechanics.com/military/aviation/a43894071/iran-adding-russian-su-35-fighter-jets-to-air-force/)], this deal reflects the strengthening ties between Moscow and Tehran. Russia has already relied on Iran for drones in its conflict in Ukraine, and this arms transfer further solidifies their strategic partnership.
**Host: ** Does this inject further instability into the already volatile Middle East?
**Dr. Ahmed:** It certainly adds another layer of complexity. While Iran has stated these jets are for defensive purposes, their advanced capabilities could potentially shift the balance of power in the region. Neighboring countries may perceive this as a threat and feel compelled to pursue similar upgrades to their own air forces.
**Host:** Thank you for your insightful analysis, Dr. Ahmed. This is indeed a development worth watching closely.
