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 This move comes after decades of relying on outdated U.S. and Soviet-era aircraft, such as the F-14 Tomcat and F-4E Phantom II, which have been in service since before the 1979 Iranian Revolution.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 Its acquisition by Iran represents a significant upgrade to the country’s air force, which has long been hampered by outdated technology and limited access to modern weaponry.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
Embraer and Saab Sign Agreement for 20 Additional Gripens
Embraer and Saab signed a Heads of Agreement at Farnborough to produce 20 additional Gripen fighters in Brazil.
Embraer S.A. and Saab AB signed a Heads of Agreement (HoA) on July 21, 2026, establishing a framework to produce 20 additional Gripen fighter aircraft at Embraer’s facility in Brazil. The announcement, made during the Farnborough International Airshow, positions the companies to finalize a binding production contract later in 2026.
The agreement expands a decade-long industrial partnership between the two aerospace manufacturers and directly supports the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) requirement for additional tactical aircraft. According to official press releases from both companies, Embraer will assemble the new fighters at its Gavião Peixoto industrial complex in São Paulo State, complementing Saab’s primary final assembly line in Linköping, Sweden.
Expanding Brazilian production capacity
The HoA serves as a preliminary framework to allocate industrial responsibilities ahead of a formal contract. The move follows a June 4, 2026 announcement by the Brazilian government detailing plans to purchase 20 additional Gripen jets, supplementing the country’s original base order of 36 aircraft, according to reporting by Breaking Defense. That initial order consisted of 28 single-seat E models and eight two-seat F models.
Company leadership emphasized that the localized manufacturing model is designed to scale with regional requirements.
“The expansion of this partnership with Saab reflects the mutual trust built over the past ten years and reinforces Embraer’s strategic role in the Gripen programme. We are well positioned to support increased production capacity, if demand requires it,” said Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security.
Recent program milestones and operational deployment
The framework agreement follows a series of recent milestones for the Brazilian Gripen program, designated the F-39E by the FAB. On March 25, 2026, Embraer and Saab unveiled the first Gripen E fighter assembled entirely on Brazilian soil at the Gavião Peixoto complex. Saab confirmed in a statement that this event marked the first supersonic fighter produced in Brazil.
Operational integration of the aircraft is also advancing. On July 14, 2026, the FAB deployed six F-39E Gripen aircraft to Chile for the SALITRE 2026 exercise. Saab noted that this marked the first time Brazilian-operated Gripens participated in a multinational exercise outside of Brazil.
“The partnership between Saab and Embraer reinforces our long-term commitment to Latin America. Together, we are strengthening our capabilities, securing additional capacity for future business opportunities, and taking a forward-leaning approach to supporting the evolving needs of our customers across the region,” stated Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab AB.
AirPro News analysis
We view this Heads of Agreement as a formalization of the industrial planning required to execute Brazil’s stated intent to procure 20 additional airframes. While the HoA is not yet a finalized production contract, it signals that both Embraer and Saab are aligning their supply chains and workforce allocations ahead of a formal signature expected later in 2026. By utilizing the Gavião Peixoto facility for this follow-on batch, Saab effectively creates a dual-node global production system for the Gripen E/F. This mitigates production bottlenecks in Sweden and provides a localized manufacturing base that could theoretically support future export campaigns in the broader Latin American market.
Sources: Embraer S.A.
Photo Credit: Embraer S.A.
Defense & Military
Sikorsky and Safran Sign Propulsion Deal at Farnborough 2026
Sikorsky and Safran Helicopter Engines formalize a strategic propulsion agreement at Farnborough 2026, backed by a 40-year partnership.
Sikorsky and Safran Helicopter Engines signed a strategic collaboration agreement on July 22, 2026, at the Farnborough International Airshow to jointly develop power and propulsion technologies for next-generation vertical lift platforms.
Announced in a Lockheed Martin press release, the agreement builds upon a 40-year relationship between the two aerospace manufacturers. The partnership aims to accelerate design cycles, shorten proposal turnaround times, and deliver higher-performance propulsion solutions for both commercial and defense rotorcraft markets worldwide.
Deepening a four-decade propulsion partnership
The formal agreement extends a long-standing industrial relationship centered on the Sikorsky S-76 medium helicopter. Safran has delivered more than 1,230 engines for the S-76 program, accumulating nearly 10 million flight hours across the global fleet.
Cédric Goubet, President of Safran Helicopter Engines, noted the shared history between the companies and emphasized the potential for future integration.
“As the world leader in helicopter propulsion and pioneer of hybrid-electric propulsion, our products and services would provide an unrivalled competitive advantage for Sikorsky’s future helicopters,” Goubet stated.
European expansion and next-generation platforms
The propulsion agreement aligns with Sikorsky’s broader strategy to expand its industrial footprint in Europe. On July 20, 2026, Lockheed Martin confirmed that Sikorsky is actively pursuing the establishment of a Next Generation Rotorcraft (NGRC) production line in Europe to deepen its partnership with North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies.
Rich Benton, Vice President and General Manager of Sikorsky, framed the Safran partnership as a critical component of this international strategy. Benton stated that collaborating across the industry from the initial design phase empowers customers with faster decision-making and confidence in the final aircraft’s performance and safety.
The push for advanced propulsion coincides with Sikorsky’s ongoing development of autonomous and uncrewed platforms. Also on July 22, 2026, the manufacturer announced the completion of initial ground and flight testing for its Nomad 100 uncrewed aerial system (UAS), developed for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) EVADE program.
AirPro News analysis
We view the formalization of the Sikorsky and Safran partnership as a strategic positioning move for the NATO NGRC program. By aligning with a major European propulsion provider, Sikorsky strengthens its industrial base across the Atlantic, which is often a prerequisite for winning major European defense contracts. Safran’s ongoing research into hybrid-electric aviation also provides Sikorsky with a ready pathway to integrate advanced, fuel-efficient powerplants into future uncrewed and crewed vertical lift designs without bearing the entire research and development cost internally.
Sources: Lockheed Martin
Photo Credit: Lockheed Martin
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
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