Iran has officially confirmed its purchase of Russian-made Sukhoi-35 fighter jets, marking a significant step in the strengthening of military ties between Tehran and Moscow.
This confirmation comes from Ali Shadmani, a senior commander in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), who spoke to the Student News Network on Monday.
Shadmani’s comments are the first public acknowledgment by an Iranian official regarding the acquisition of these advanced fighter jets, which have been a point of concern for Western nations already wary of the increasing military cooperation between the two nations.
While the exact number of Sukhoi-35 jets purchased was not disclosed, nor was there any clarification on whether the jets had already been delivered to Iran, Shadmani emphasized that military purchases are part of Iran’s ongoing efforts to enhance its air, land, and naval forces.
“Whenever necessary, we make military purchases to strengthen our air, land, and naval forces,” Shadmani stated. “The production of military equipment has also accelerated.”
Iran’s air force, which has long relied on a mix of aging US-made aircraft acquired before the 1979 Islamic Revolution and some Russian jets, has faced limitations due to sanctions and the slow modernization of its fleet.
The Sukhoi-35, a fourth-generation fighter aircraft, is expected to significantly bolster Iran’s air capabilities, providing more advanced technology and combat readiness.
Shadmani also issued a strong warning to Iran’s adversaries in the region, particularly Israel, which has long been a target of Iranian rhetoric.
“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,” Shadmani warned, referring to Iran’s longstanding rivalry with Israel.
This statement underscores the increasingly tense relations in the Middle East, with Iran positioning itself as a powerful military force in the region.
This purchase follows a broader strategic partnership agreement between Iran and Russia, signed earlier this month, which focuses on expanding military-technical cooperation between the two nations.
While the agreement did not specifically mention arms transfers, it highlights the growing military and strategic alliance between Tehran and Moscow, particularly in light of Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine and its need for international support.
Iran has previously expressed its support for Russia’s actions in Ukraine, further solidifying the two countries’ bond.
In November 2023, Iran’s Tasnim news agency reported that Tehran had finalized arrangements for the purchase of Russian fighter jets, which many analysts saw as a significant development.
The confirmation of the Sukhoi-35 purchase is likely to raise concerns in Western capitals, especially Washington, where there is growing apprehension about Iran’s expanding military capabilities and its deepening ties with Russia.
As tensions continue to rise in the region, particularly with Israel, Iran’s enhanced military capabilities, including the addition of the Sukhoi-35s, could alter the balance of power in the Middle East. The purchase also signals a further shift in Iran’s military strategy, as it seeks to modernize its forces in the face of external threats and internal pressure.