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 This move comes after decades of relying on outdated U.S. and Soviet-era aircraft, such as the F-14 Tomcat and F-4E Phantom II, which have been in service since before the 1979 Iranian Revolution.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 Its acquisition by Iran represents a significant upgrade to the country’s air force, which has long been hampered by outdated technology and limited access to modern weaponry.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