Defense & Military
Iran Boosts Air Force with Russian Su-35 Fighter Jets
Iran Officially Adds Russian Su-35 Aircraft to Its Arsenal
Iran’s confirmation of acquiring Russian Su-35 fighter jets marks a significant milestone in the modernization of its air force. This move comes after decades of relying on outdated U.S. and Soviet-era aircraft, such as the F-14 Tomcat and F-4E Phantom II, which have been in service since before the 1979 Iranian Revolution. The acquisition of the Su-35, a 4++ generation multirole fighter, underscores Iran’s determination to enhance its military capabilities despite years of international sanctions.
General Ali Shadmadi, Deputy Chief of the Central Headquarters of the Armed Forces “Hatam al-Anbia,” announced the purchase, emphasizing its role in bolstering Iran’s air, ground, and naval forces. The Su-35’s advanced avionics, superior maneuverability, and powerful radar systems make it a formidable asset in modern air combat. This development is part of a broader strategic partnership between Iran and Russia, reflecting their shared challenges amid Western sanctions.
Strategic Significance of the Su-35 Acquisition
The Su-35, known as the “Flanker-E” or “Super Flanker” in NATO circles, is a testament to Russian aerospace engineering. Its acquisition by Iran represents a significant upgrade to the country’s air force, which has long been hampered by outdated technology and limited access to modern weaponry. The Su-35’s Irbis-E radar can track up to 30 targets simultaneously, engaging eight at once, with a detection range of up to 400 km. This capability positions Iran to better defend its airspace and project power in the region.
According to David Des Roches, an associate professor at the Near East South Asia Center for Security Studies, “Iran has sought for years to acquire a capable air-to-air and air-to-ground combat capability.” The Su-35 addresses this need, though it does not fundamentally alter the regional balance of power. Israel, for instance, operates a more advanced air force, including 39 F-35I “Adir” stealth fighters, and boasts superior pilot training and combat experience.
The first two Su-35SE fighters were delivered in November 2024, with further deliveries expected throughout 2025. These jets were transported in disassembled form and reassembled at the 3rd Tactical Air Base near Hamadan. Iran is also constructing fortified facilities and utilizing its underground airbase, Eagle-44, to house and maintain the new fleet.
“The Su-35 fighters have been acquired. Whenever we need to, we will procure military equipment to bolster our air, ground, and naval forces.” – General Ali Shadmadi
Geopolitical Implications and Regional Dynamics
The Su-35 acquisition is part of a broader strategic partnership between Iran and Russia, reflecting their shared challenges amid Western sanctions. This deal could influence regional security dynamics, prompting neighboring countries to accelerate their own military modernization efforts. The introduction of the Su-35s into Iran’s air force may add complexity to the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East, particularly in the context of ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel.
Israel views Iran as an existential threat due to its support for proxy groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, as well as its nuclear ambitions. The conflict has seen direct military engagements, such as the 2006 Lebanon War, where Israel fought Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militia. Recent escalations, including Iran’s direct missile and drone attacks on Israel, indicate a shift from proxy warfare to more direct confrontations.
Despite the Su-35’s advanced capabilities, experts argue that it does not undermine Israel’s air superiority. Israel’s more advanced air force, combined with superior pilot training and combat experience, ensures its dominance in the region. However, the acquisition highlights Iran’s defiance of international sanctions and its reliance on Russia for modern military equipment.
The Evolution of the Su-35
The Sukhoi Su-35 stands as a testament to the evolution of the iconic Su-27 “Flanker” series. From its inception in the late Soviet era as the Su-27M to its current form, the Su-35S, this aircraft has undergone numerous transformations, each iteration enhancing its prowess in the skies. The Su-35S, powered by two Saturn AL-41F1S turbofan engines, can supercruise – fly supersonically without afterburners, significantly extending its operational range and speed.
The aircraft’s arsenal is vast, capable of deploying a mix of air-to-air, air-to-surface, and precision-guided munitions from its 14 hardpoints. From the internal 30mm GSh-30 cannon to advanced missiles like the R-77 for air combat or the Kh-59 for ground targets, the Su-35 is prepared for a variety of combat scenarios. Stealth is not its primary attribute, but radar-absorbent materials and electronic countermeasures like the Khibiny-M system help in evading enemy radar.
On the international stage, the Su-35 has found buyers in China, where 24 were delivered in 2019, and Egypt, which received its aircraft from 2020. Interest from other nations like Indonesia underscores its global appeal. Operational deployments, notably in Syria, have demonstrated the Su-35’s capabilities in real-world combat environments, contributing to Russia’s strategic interests in the region.
Conclusion
The acquisition of the Su-35 fighter jets marks a significant step in Iran’s efforts to modernize its air force and enhance its military capabilities. Despite years of international sanctions, Iran has managed to secure advanced weaponry through its strategic partnership with Russia. The Su-35’s advanced avionics, superior maneuverability, and powerful radar systems position Iran to better defend its airspace and project power in the region.
However, the introduction of the Su-35s does not fundamentally alter the regional balance of power. Israel’s more advanced air force, combined with superior pilot training and combat experience, ensures its dominance in the region. The ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel, rooted in a complex history of ideological, political, and strategic elements, continue to shape the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. As both nations navigate these challenges, the Su-35 acquisition underscores the evolving dynamics of regional security and the enduring impact of international alliances and rivalries.
FAQ
Question: What is the significance of Iran acquiring the Su-35 fighter jets?
Answer: The acquisition marks a significant step in modernizing Iran’s outdated air force, enhancing its air-to-air and air-to-ground combat capabilities.
Question: How many Su-35 jets has Iran acquired?
Answer: While the exact number is not confirmed, reports suggest Iran has purchased between 24 to 50 Su-35SE jets.
Question: What are the capabilities of the Su-35?
Answer: The Su-35 is a 4++ generation multirole fighter with advanced avionics, superior maneuverability, and a powerful radar system capable of tracking up to 30 targets simultaneously.
Sources: BulgarianMilitary.com, RIO Times Online, 19FortyFive
Defense & Military
BAE Systems Unveils Brontanax UK Autonomous Combat Aircraft
BAE Systems and the UK MoD unveiled Brontanax, the UK’s first uncrewed CCA, at Farnborough 2026.
BAE Systems and the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence (MoD) unveiled Brontanax, the nation’s first uncrewed autonomous Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), at the Farnborough International Airshow on July 22, 2026. The five-metric-ton aircraft is designed to operate alongside crewed fighter jets, providing electronic warfare and precision strike capabilities to the fleet.
According to a BAE Systems press release, the platform serves as the manufacturers offering for the UK government’s £300 million Storm Fighter program. The initiative aims to establish the Royal Air Force (RAF) as Europe’s first sixth-generation air force by integrating uncrewed systems with existing crewed fighters like the Eurofighter Typhoon and the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II.
The Storm Fighter program and development timeline
Development of the Brontanax platform began internally at BAE Systems in 2022. The manufacturer has invested approximately £300 million to date to fund the project. The UK government formalized its financial backing on July 1, 2026, through its Defence Investment Plan, committing an initial £300 million to the sovereign autonomous combat air initiative.
UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting highlighted the strategic importance of the platform during the unveiling event at Farnborough, noting the government’s intent to adopt the aircraft as an operational concept demonstrator.
“The unveiling of Brontanax, the UK’s first uncrewed autonomous Collaborative Combat Aircraft, is a testament to the extraordinary talent and innovation across our sovereign defence industry. Built at BAE Systems in Warton by British engineers, backed by British businesses large and small, this aircraft demonstrates that the UK has the skills, the technology and the determination to lead the world in combat air power.”
The prototype is scheduled for its first power-up in the third quarter of 2026. Ground trials are slated to begin in the first half of 2027, followed by flight trials in UK airspace in the second half of the year. The RAF plans to bring the aircraft into service before 2030.
Industrial footprint and supply chain realities
The Brontanax program currently involves more than 500 BAE Systems employees and engages over 75 UK companies and small-to-medium enterprises. The aircraft was designed and built at the BAE Systems facility in Warton, Lancashire.
While marketed as a sovereign British aircraft, the initial iterations of the drone utilize a US-made Williams International engine. BAE Systems and the RAF intend to transition to a British powerplant developed by Rolls-Royce for future production models.
Air Chief Marshal Sir Harv Smyth, Chief of the Air Staff, stated that the RAF is working closely with the manufacturer to meet the aggressive development schedule, confirming that a prototype is expected to fly next year.
AirPro News analysis
The unveiling of Brontanax signals the United Kingdom’s formal entry into the highly competitive CCA market. We are seeing a global surge in the development of these uncrewed systems, with aerospace manufacturers including Airbus, Boeing, Anduril, and General Atomics competing for contracts across multiple allied nations.
The primary driver behind this shift is combat mass. Traditional crewed fighters are highly capable but expensive to procure and operate. A large CCA is estimated to cost approximately 25 percent of a traditional crewed fighter. By pairing uncrewed systems with crewed jets, air forces can significantly expand their tactical footprint, sensor networks, and weapons capacity without a proportional increase in procurement budgets or pilot training requirements. The transition from the Williams International engine to a Rolls-Royce powerplant will be a critical milestone to watch as the UK attempts to secure a fully sovereign supply-chain for the Storm Fighter program.
Sources: BAE Systems Press Release
Photo Credit: BAE Systems
Defense & Military
GE Aerospace and Shield AI Complete X-BAT Engine Test
GE Aerospace and Shield AI complete AVEN thrust-vectoring nozzle testing on the F110-GE-129E, keeping X-BAT on track for late 2026 first flight.
GE Aerospace and Shield AI have successfully completed integration, actuation, and engine light-off testing of a multi-axis thrust-vectoring nozzle on an F110-GE-129E engine, clearing a major propulsion hurdle for the X-BAT vertical take-off and landing combat aircraft.
Announced in a July 20, 2026, press release, the testing took place at GE Aerospace’s operations site in Peebles, Ohio. The campaign represents the first fully integrated test of the Axisymmetric Vectoring Exhaust Nozzle (AVEN) hardware and control systems since its original development in the 1990s. The successful light-off keeps the X-BAT program on schedule for a planned first flight in late 2026.
Resurrecting thrust vectoring for vertical flight
The AVEN system pivots engine exhaust in three dimensions, providing the precise directional control required for the aircraft to balance on its tailpipe during vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) maneuvers. Originally designed in the 1990s, the AVEN program accumulated 73 hours of ground testing and 135 flight hours across 95 flights on an experimental F-16 before being shelved.
Shield AI and GE Aerospace are now adapting that legacy hardware to meet the demands of modern autonomous flight. The integration requires the nozzle to execute rapid, coordinated movement sequences driven by Shield AI’s flight control software.
“The AVEN is what makes vertical flight possible on a platform this size and this capable. We’re applying it differently than it was ever used before. Vertical flight requires fast gimbaling to maintain attitude control, a demand the original program never had to meet,” said Armor Harris, Senior Vice President of Aircraft Engineering at Shield AI.
Harris noted that utilizing hardware with a proven track record allowed the engineering teams to bypass the initial stages of clean-sheet development. The next phase of the program will focus on iterating the propulsion approach to reduce weight and increase speed for future variants.
Scaling the X-BAT for contested environments
Shield AI unveiled the X-BAT in Washington, D.C., on October 21, 2025. The aircraft is designed as a Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) capable of operating independently or as a drone wingman in contested airspace. By November 5, 2025, Shield AI and GE Aerospace had signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on the platform’s propulsion, selecting the F110-GE-129 engine paired with the AVEN system.
The aircraft relies on Shield AI’s Hivemind autonomy software to conduct missions without traditional runway infrastructure. According to reporting by Tectonic Defense, the X-BAT measures 26 feet in length and features a 39-foot wingspan. Naval News estimates the platform will achieve a range exceeding 2,000 nautical miles and an operational ceiling of 50,000 feet, positioning it for both austere land bases and potential naval integration.
Amy Gowder, President and CEO of Defense & Systems at GE Aerospace, stated that pairing the company’s propulsion scaling experience with Shield AI’s vehicle development allows the program to move rapidly from concept to fielded capability.
AirPro News analysis
We view the successful light-off of the AVEN-equipped F110 as a validation of Shield AI’s strategy to integrate mature subsystems rather than developing bespoke hardware. The GE Aerospace F110 engine family has accumulated 11 million flight hours. By pairing a highly reliable, mass-produced core engine with a previously flight-tested 3D vectoring nozzle, the X-BAT program significantly reduces its technical risk profile.
The primary challenge moving forward will be software integration. While the AVEN hardware is proven, the 1990s-era actuators were not designed for the continuous, high-frequency gimbaling required to stabilize a tail-sitting VTOL aircraft in turbulent conditions. Shield AI’s Hivemind system will need to manage these actuation limits carefully to prevent mechanical fatigue while maintaining attitude control during the critical transition between vertical and forward flight.
Sources: GE Aerospace
Photo Credit: GE Aerospace
Defense & Military
Pratt Whitney Completes 3D-Printed TJ150 Turbojet Demo Test
Pratt & Whitney validates additive manufacturing for the TJ150, consolidating 50+ hot section parts into 3D-printed components.
Pratt & Whitney has successfully completed demonstration testing of an additively manufactured TJ150 turbojet engine, a process that consolidated more than 50 individual hot section components into a small number of 3D-printed parts.
The RTX Corporation subsidiary announced the milestone on July 20, 2026, during the Farnborough International Airshow in London. The test results validate the manufacturer’s strategy to use additive manufacturing to simplify design and accelerate production for expendable military propulsion systems.
Consolidating hot section components
According to the press release, nearly 60 percent of the TJ150 engine’s volume was produced using additive manufacturing. This volume includes major static and rotating hardware. By utilizing 3D printing technologies, engineers reduced the complexity of the engine’s hot section and replaced over 50 traditional parts with a handful of consolidated components.
The TJ150 is a 150-pound thrust class turbojet designed for single-use applications.
“For expendable engines like the TJ150, where missions can last minutes or hours, simplifying the design and scaling production quickly is essential to meeting rising demand,” said Jill Albertelli, President of Military Engines at Pratt & Whitney.
Integration with cruise missiles and decoys
The successful demonstration of the 3D-printed TJ150 follows recent contract awards and integration announcements for the engine platform. On March 10, 2026, Pratt & Whitney secured a follow-on contract from Leidos Dynetics to supply TJ150 engines for the AGM-190A small cruise missile.
In a separate announcement on July 15, 2026, Raytheon confirmed plans to prioritize the TJ150 engine for the initial production of the Miniature Air-Launched Decoy (MALD). Raytheon noted that utilizing the existing engine platform keeps restart timelines short while the company explores additively manufactured engines for longer-term opportunities.
Expanding additive manufacturing applications
Pratt & Whitney plans to apply the manufacturing techniques validated during the TJ150 demonstration to other propulsion programs. Albertelli stated that additive manufacturing helps the company move designs from concept to capability faster. She confirmed that the manufacturer is leveraging the TJ150 learnings to benefit other systems, including the Pratt & Whitney Valox engine family.
AirPro News analysis
The successful test of a heavily 3D-printed TJ150 highlights a critical shift in defense aerospace manufacturing. As military operators demand higher volumes of autonomous systems, decoys, and tactical missiles, traditional supply chains for small turbine engines face significant bottlenecks. Casting and machining conventional hot-section components requires extensive tooling and long lead times. By consolidating dozens of parts into a few additively manufactured pieces, we see manufacturers directly addressing the need for rapid scalability.
Expendable engines operate for very short durations, meaning they do not require the same long-term durability as commercial or manned military turbofans. This specific operational profile makes them ideal candidates for additive manufacturing, allowing producers to prioritize production speed and cost reduction over thousands of hours of time-on-wing reliability.
Photo Credit: RTX
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