Tehran confirms Russian Su-35 deal as pilots await delivery after war

Mohammad Akraminya, a representative of Iran’s armed forces, said the purchase of Russian Su-35 fighter jets has been fully completed and that Iranian pilots have completed their training. He said delivery had been postponed until after the conflict with the United States ends.

Iran has completed a deal to purchase Russian Su-35 fighter jets and expects to receive them after the war with the United States ends. Mohammad Akraminya, a representative of the Islamic Republic’s armed forces, said this in an interview with the Iranian outlet Tabnak.

Akraminya said the aircraft acquisition process had continued for several years and was now fully complete, while Iranian pilots had received the necessary training and learned to operate the new aircraft. The fighters were initially expected to arrive before the hostilities began, but delivery will now take place only after they end.

Number of aircraft remains undisclosed

Akraminya did not disclose the number of aircraft purchased or specific delivery dates. He only expressed confidence that the capabilities of Iran’s air force would “increase significantly” after the conflict. Russia and the manufacturer have made no official comments on the contract, leaving the deal’s details known only through the Iranian military official’s account.

Силуэт истребителя Су-35 на фоне солнца

Iran’s aging air force fleet

Iran’s air force has relied on outdated equipment for decades, including American F-14 and F-4 aircraft purchased before the 1979 revolution, as well as Soviet MiG-29s. Reports that Iran might purchase Su-35s appeared in Iranian and Russian media several years ago, but Tehran had not previously confirmed that the deal was complete.

The statement came amid the continuing military confrontation between Iran and the United States. The previous day, Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said talks with Washington would be possible only if the United States accepted seven conditions set by Tehran.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Tehran confirms Russian Su-35 deal as pilots await delivery after war