Iran is poised to receive six advanced Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets from Russia, according to recent reports. The Su-35, a 4.5-generation fighter jet nicknamed “Flanker-E,” represents a significant leap in aerial combat capability for Tehran. These aircraft are expected to be stationed at the Hamadan Air Base, a key Iranian military installation undergoing substantial upgrades to accommodate advanced fighter jets.
The development, first reported through social media and corroborated by satellite imagery, signals a deepening of military ties between Tehran and Moscow. Analysts believe the transfer of these jets and Iran’s potential license to domestically assemble Sukhoi aircraft could have far-reaching implications for regional security dynamics and global geopolitics.
Hamadan Air Base has been the focus of considerable construction activity in recent months, with large, fortified aircraft shelters being built. Satellite images indicate that these shelters are tailored to house larger, advanced fighter jets like the Su-35, underscoring Tehran’s preparedness for the new arrivals.
This strategic preparation aligns with Iran’s broader goals of modernizing its air force, which has lagged behind other branches of its military. Currently, Iran operates outdated fleets of F-14 Tomcats, MiG-29s, and Su-24s, with most aircraft dating back decades. The Su-35, equipped with modern avionics, a powerful radar, and advanced weaponry, would represent a monumental upgrade for Tehran’s aerial capabilities.
The Sukhoi Su-35 is a multi-role air superiority fighter designed to challenge Western aircraft such as the F-15 and Eurofighter Typhoon.
- Advanced Avionics: Equipped with the Irbis-E radar, the Su-35 can detect and engage multiple targets simultaneously, including stealth aircraft.
- Supermaneuverability: Thrust-vectoring engines allow the Su-35 to perform complex aerial maneuvers.
- Extended Combat Range: Its advanced fuel systems enable long-range missions, crucial for a nation like Iran with extensive borders.
For Iran, these features offer an opportunity to bolster its defensive and offensive capabilities, especially in the face of potential threats from Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the United States.
In a potentially transformative development, Russia has reportedly granted Iran a license to domestically assemble Su-35 and Su-30 fighter jets. If confirmed, this would mark a strategic shift in Iran’s military-industrial capacity.
- Cost Efficiency: Domestic assembly can lower procurement costs, enabling Tehran to acquire a larger fleet.
- Self-Reliance: Producing fighter jets locally reduces dependency on foreign suppliers, particularly critical amid international sanctions.
- Mass Production Capability: Experts speculate that Iran could assemble over 100 Su-35 and Su-30 aircraft in the coming years, dramatically altering its air force’s strength.
This capability could enhance Tehran’s ability to project power across the region, from the Persian Gulf to the Levant.
The acquisition of Su-35 jets by Iran raises several strategic concerns for the Middle East, where air superiority has traditionally been dominated by pro-U.S. countries like Israel and Saudi Arabia.
Israel, which operates a fleet of advanced F-35 stealth fighters, has maintained air superiority in the region for years. However, the Su-35’s advanced radar and missile systems could challenge Israel’s dominance, especially in contested areas like Syria and Lebanon.
Saudi Arabia and the UAE, both major buyers of U.S. military equipment, might view Iran’s upgraded air force as a direct threat. This could accelerate an arms race in the region, with Gulf states seeking to acquire even more advanced aircraft and missile defense systems.
The delivery of Su-35s may be part of a broader quid pro quo between Tehran and Moscow. Iran has been a key military supplier to Russia during the ongoing Ukraine conflict, providing thousands of Shahed-136 drones and ballistic missiles. In return, Moscow appears to be bolstering Tehran’s defense capabilities, signaling a deepening strategic partnership.
Interestingly, the Su-35 jets destined for Iran were initially ordered by Egypt. Cairo had agreed to purchase 24 units from Moscow but canceled the deal under pressure from the United States. Washington’s Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) threatened economic sanctions on Egypt if it proceeded with the purchase.
This cancellation presented an opportunity for Tehran to step in. For Russia, transferring the jets to Iran ensures they find a buyer while strengthening ties with a key ally in the Middle East.
Both Iran and Russia are heavily sanctioned by the West, and their growing military cooperation demonstrates an effort to circumvent these restrictions. Iran, in particular, has faced challenges in modernizing its air force due to decades of international sanctions.
The Su-35 acquisition not only boosts Tehran’s defense capabilities but also highlights the effectiveness of its alliance with Moscow in overcoming geopolitical constraints. For Russia, the arrangement helps mitigate the economic impact of losing other buyers for its advanced weaponry.
The U.S. is likely to view the Su-35 deal as a direct challenge to its strategic interests in the Middle East. Washington could respond by increasing military aid to its regional allies, including Israel and Gulf states, to counterbalance Iran’s growing aerial capabilities.
Israeli defense officials are expected to closely monitor the deployment of the Su-35s, as they could complicate future military operations in Syria and beyond. Israel has previously targeted Iranian military installations in Syria to prevent weapons transfers to Hezbollah, and the presence of advanced jets could limit its operational freedom.
Saudi Arabia and the UAE might accelerate plans to modernize their air forces, potentially purchasing additional F-35s or exploring alternatives like the Eurofighter Typhoon and Rafale.
The Iran-Russia military partnership could pave the way for further collaborations, including potential cooperation with China. A trilateral axis involving Tehran, Moscow, and Beijing would pose a significant challenge to U.S. influence in the region.
