Iran has acquired Sukhoi SU-35 fighter jets from Russia, as confirmed on Monday by a senior commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard.
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This statement marks the first time an Iranian official has officially acknowledged the purchase of the jets, raising Western concerns about strengthening military ties between Tehran and Moscow.
Ali Shadmani, deputy coordinator of the Central Headquarters of Khatam-ol-Anbia, announced the acquisition during an interview with the Student News Network. However, he did not specify the number of aircraft purchased or whether they had already been delivered. “Whenever necessary, we make military purchases to strengthen our air, land, and naval forces. The production of military equipment has also accelerated,” Shadmani said.
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During his remarks, Shadmani issued a warning to Iran’s regional rival, Israel: “If the enemy acts foolishly, they will taste the bitter consequences of being struck by our missiles, and none of their interests in the occupied territories will remain safe.”
Background of the Purchase and Cooperation with Russia
In November 2023, the Iranian news agency Tasnim reported that Tehran had finalized arrangements to acquire the Russian fighter jets, but official confirmation only came now. Earlier in 2025, Iran and Russia signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement, emphasizing the development of “technical-military cooperation,” although it did not explicitly mention arms transfers.
This growing partnership between the two nations has raised concerns in the West, particularly amid the ongoing war in Ukraine and the implications of a closer military alliance between Moscow and Tehran.
Limited Air Force
Currently, Iran’s air force operates only a few dozen attack aircraft, including Russian jets and outdated American models acquired before the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The purchase of the Sukhoi-35 is seen as an effort to modernize Iran’s military capabilities and enhance its strategic presence in the region.
Context and Implications
The acquisition of the fighter jets comes at a time of increasing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and underscores the need for international attention on the expanding military collaborations between countries challenging the Western-led global order.
Source: jpost, Photo: flickr. This content was created with the assistance of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.