t has been reported that Iran has received the first shipment of Su-35S fighter jets from Russia. The initial delivery is said to consist of 3 Su-35S fighters, which were originally ordered by Egypt for their Air Force. However, due to technical reasons, Egypt did not receive the jets, and Iran stepped in to buy them.
Iran has finalized the necessary arrangements with Russia, and the planes were recently seen taking off from Mehrabad International Airport. Although it is unknown how many Su-35S Iran will receive, it is known that 15 have been produced under the original Egyptian order for 24.
This purchase will significantly strengthen the Iranian Air Force, which has been suffering from a shortage of equipment and spare parts due to international sanctions. It is also rumored that Iran and Russia have signed a $10 billion deal that includes purchasing 2 batteries of S-400 air defense systems and 24 Su-35 fighters, as well as maintenance and modernization of Russian-made fighters in Iran’s inventory.
In exchange for the Su-35s, it is said that Iran will provide different types of weapons and ammunition to Russia.
However, there are experts who deny that the recent images of Su-35 fighters in Iran are authentic. Nevertheless, Western intelligence services have reported that Russia will deliver Su-35s to Iran in exchange for military aid, and the commander of the Iranian Air Force has confirmed plans to purchase them. Iranian pilots have also been trained to operate the Su-35 fighter.