From rumor to reality: Iran expands Air Force with Su-35 purchase

In a move that could considerably shift the military balance in the Middle East, a senior Iranian military official has reportedly confirmed that Tehran has completed the purchase of Russian Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets. The announcement, which follows months of speculation and diplomatic overtures, underscores an expanding partnership between Iran and Russia—one that has already seen the two countries collaborate in various regional theaters and strategic domains.

A New Chapter in Iranian Airpower

Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Gen. Ali Shadmani was quoted by an Iranian news outlet as confirming the deal, according to reports by Reuters and Russia’s TASS news agency. Gen. Shadmani highlighted Iran’s intention to reinforce its military capabilities across the board, including air, land, and naval forces, noting that domestic production of military equipment was also ramping up.

While Gen. Shadmani did not disclose specific details—such as the number of jets purchased or the total cost—he issued a pointed warning against Iran’s adversaries. He stated that “if the enemy acts foolishly, it will taste the bitter taste of being hit by our missiles, and none of its interests in the occupied territories will remain safe,” referring to Israel as a principal regional rival.

According to multiple sources, Iranian officials reportedly finalized the Su-35 deal in November 2023, just days after Iran and Russia signed a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty intended to boost cooperation across various domains, including defense. The deal not only signals Iran’s strategic pivot toward modernizing its aging air fleet but also cements the growing defense alignment between Tehran and Moscow.

Why the Su-35 Matters

The Sukhoi Su-35, introduced into service around 2014, is a highly capable single-seat, twin-engine, supermaneuverable aircraft designed primarily for air superiority missions, with secondary air-to-ground capabilities. It is known for its advanced avionics, powerful engines (featuring thrust-vectoring nozzles that give it exceptional agility), and impressive weapons payload. These features could offer a significant leap in capability for the Iranian Air Force, which has struggled for decades under international sanctions and a limited supply of modern aircraft.

We wrote:Refueling the Future: Will budget constraints stall NGAS?

Currently, Iran operates a mixed fleet of older Russian aircraft, including the Su-24MK and MiG-29A, as well as aging US-built fighter jets such as the F-4 Phantom and F-5E Tiger II—remnants from before the 1979 Iranian Revolution. Parts and maintenance challenges have long hampered the operational readiness of these older jets, making the arrival of Su-35s an especially notable development.

Strategic Implications

Defense experts caution that the introduction of Su-35s into Iran’s military roster will not result in an overnight transformation of Tehran’s power projection capabilities, particularly because of the long training cycles required for Iranian pilots and ground crews to master such advanced platforms. However, there is little doubt that the jets could pose new complexities for adversaries seeking to strike Iran’s nuclear or military facilities.

“Should the jets join the Islamic Republic’s fleet, they could pose an additional layer of challenges for those seeking to land an uncontested blow against the regime’s nuclear or military infrastructure,” remarked one defense analyst. This concern stems from the Su-35’s sophisticated radar and electronic warfare systems, which, in conjunction with modern munitions, bolster Iran’s territorial defense and deterrence posture.

Behnam Ben Taleblu, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, echoed some caution about the deal, observing that there have been numerous “false starts, early reports, rumors, and even misinformation” surrounding Iran’s pursuit of advanced fighter jets. “Seeing the plane in Iran will be the truest indication that the deal has gone through,” he told Breaking Defense. Nonetheless, if fully realized, such a deal “would significantly enhance Iranian territorial defense” at a time when the regime is also focusing on long-range strike capabilities via drones and missiles.

Broader Context of Iran-Russia Ties

The Su-35 deal arrives amid a broader Iranian-Russian alignment. Tehran and Moscow have found common ground on issues such as the Syrian conflict, where both nations supported the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. In recent years, Washington has accused Iran of providing military drones to Russia, presumably used in conflict zones including Ukraine, further demonstrating how each side has sought to leverage the other’s expertise or hardware.

The comprehensive treaty signed by Iran and Russia earlier in the year—committing to cooperation in industries such as energy, trade, technology, and defense—highlights how Western pressure and sanctions have at times pushed the two nations closer together. If the Su-35 purchase is part of a larger pattern of military collaboration, observers say it may well reshape the regional security calculus in the Middle East, prompting concern among Gulf Arab states, Israel, and the United States.

Regional Reactions and Concerns

Iran’s neighbors have been closely monitoring developments in its conventional and unconventional military programs. Israel, in particular, views Iran’s expanding arsenal of drones, ballistic missiles, and now potentially advanced combat aircraft as a growing threat. Its officials often stress that Israel retains the right to act preemptively if it believes its security is endangered by Iranian military activity.

Western governments, already alarmed by Iran’s nuclear progress and ballistic missile program, may view the acquisition of Su-35s as another destabilizing factor. In the past, sanctions regimes and diplomatic negotiations have attempted to limit Iran’s access to modern military hardware. This purchase, if confirmed, suggests those limitations have proven less than fully effective.

Challenges for the Iranian Air Force

While the Su-35’s arrival would undeniably offer new capabilities for Iran’s Air Force, challenges remain:

1. Maintenance and Logistics: Operating a fourth-generation-plus fighter jet requires specialized training, regular access to spare parts, and advanced maintenance infrastructure. Iran’s existing logistics and repair facilities are not necessarily prepared for an influx of sophisticated aircraft—though Iranian engineers and technicians have a long history of improvisation and innovation due to sanctions.

2. Pilot Training: Iranian pilots will need extensive instruction to effectively use the Su-35’s full suite of capabilities, from advanced radar modes to high-end electronic warfare. This could be an ongoing process, especially if large numbers of new pilots are required.

3. Integration with Older Systems: Melding the Su-35 into a force structure that still includes decades-old F-4s and F-5s presents interoperability challenges. Modern jets and their ground support systems often require upgraded data links, communication systems, and command-and-control networks.

4. Political Uncertainty: International relations, particularly with Russia, can shift with changing geopolitical priorities. Any deterioration in Tehran-Moscow relations might impact the supply of spare parts and upgrades needed to keep the Su-35s in top operational condition.

Looking Ahead

For Tehran, the acquisition of advanced Russian fighter jets marks a significant milestone. The jets not only provide a potential deterrent against any strikes on Iran’s nuclear or military infrastructure but also signal to regional players—and to domestic audiences—that despite years of sanctions, Iran remains committed to modernizing its military.

Yet significant questions remain: How many Su-35s will be delivered, and on what timetable? Will Russia continue to supply the logistics and support that such advanced platforms require? And how will Israel, the United States, and Arab Gulf states respond, especially if this development is seen as altering the regional power balance?

As observers await concrete evidence of the jets arriving on Iranian runways, many analysts say that this deal is more than just an arms sale—it symbolizes a deepening strategic partnership between two nations increasingly at odds with Western powers. If the aircraft do indeed land in Iran’s inventory, they will become a tangible sign of Tehran’s evolving defense capabilities and a fresh consideration for military planners throughout the Middle East.