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Iran Confirms Purchase of Russian Su-35 Fighter Jets for the First Time
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has confirmed the purchase of Russian-made Su-35 fighter jets, according to Brigadier General Ali Shadmani, deputy coordinator of the Khatam al-Anbiya base. This marks the first official acknowledgment by Iran of acquiring the aircraft.
Shadmani, quoted by the Iranian regime-affiliated Student News Network, did not disclose the number of jets purchased or whether they had been delivered. He stated that Iran undertakes military purchases to strengthen its forces and has accelerated domestic military production.
“If the enemy acts foolishly, he will taste the bitter taste of being hit by our missiles, and none of his interests in the occupied territories will remain safe,” Shadmani warned.
This comes after Iranian officials reported damage to radar systems and four fatalities from Israeli airstrikes on October 26, 2024, which analysts suggest significantly weakened Iran's air defenses.
In November 2023, Iranian media reported that Tehran had finalized agreements to purchase Russian fighter jets. Earlier in 2024, Iran and Russia signed a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement, which included commitments to enhance military-technical cooperation but did not explicitly mention arms deals.
Iran’s air force includes Russian MiG-29s, Su-24MKs, Su-22s, Su-25s, and recently confirmed Su-35s. Acquired mainly in the 1990s, some jets have been modernized.