It is reported that Russia has delivered the first batch of Su-35S fighters to Iran, which is said to include three of these planes, and it is known that Egypt had previously ordered 24 Sukhoi Su-35s fighters from Russia.

However, due to technical reasons, Egypt did not receive the manufactured Su-35S, which Iran purchased instead. Iran had completed official arrangements with Russia to acquire the Su-35S planes that were originally produced for Egypt. Although the exact number of Su-35S Iran will receive is unknown, it is confirmed that the production of 15 aircraft has been completed so far under the Egyptian order.

This purchase will significantly enhance the Iranian Air Force, which has been facing equipment and spare parts shortages due to the imposed sanctions. Furthermore, it is claimed that Iran and Russia have signed a $10 billion deal that includes the purchase of two S-400 air defense systems batteries, 24 Su-35 fighters, and the maintenance and modernization of Russian-made fighters that Iran has in its inventory. As per reports, Iran will pay for the Su-35s by sending different types of weaponry and ammunition to Russia.

Although Piotr Butowski, an aviation journalist and photographer, denies that the images filmed were of Su-35 fighters and that Russia has not yet delivered these modern jets to Iran. However, Western intelligence services reported in December 2022 that Russia would deliver Su-35 fighters to Iran in exchange for military aid, and the Biden administration charged Russia with delivering modern military equipment to Iran.

It is said that this weaponry includes air defense systems, helicopters, and fighter jets. According to Shahriar Heydari, a member of Iran’s parliamentary committee on national security and foreign policy, the Russian jet purchase deal has been confirmed, and the plans will be delivered to Iran after March 21. Moreover, Russia has trained Iranian pilots to fly the Su-35 fighter.