Iran's Tasnim News Agency announced on Tuesday that a deal for Russian military aircraft has been finalized, as Tehran and Moscow explore an ever-deepening security relationship.
Iranian Deputy Defense Minister Mehdi Farahi told the state-owned media organization, "Plans have been finalized for Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets, Mil Mi-28 attack helicopters, and Yak-130 jet trainers to join the combat units of Iran's Army."
Both countries have been subject to prolonged international sanctions and have attempted to mitigate this by expanding cooperation in trade, energy, and technology transfer.
The most significant aspect of this agreement will be the acquisition of the Su-35 jets. This multi-role fighter is of modern design and entered service in 2014, intended to be an upgraded derivative of the Su-27. It has been shown to be a capable and efficient weapons system during deployments in Syria and Ukraine.
The Su-35 will enable the Iranian regime to substantially upgrade its air fighting capabilities. The Iran Air Force (IRIAF) has a large fleet of aircraft that has long been comprised of an obsolete inventory of domestically produced F-5 copies, pre-Islamic Republic F-4's and F-14's, and a few 1990's era Chinese made MiG-21s.
In September, the IRIAF took delivery of the Russian made Yak-130s in order to prepare their pilots to fly the advanced fighters. The deal for the training aircraft reportedly included the instruction of IRIAF personnel in Russia.
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