27-01-2025
Iran acquires Russian Su-35 fighter jets
ALBAWABA- Iran has confirmed the purchase of Russian-made Su-35 fighter jets, signaling growing military cooperation between Tehran and Moscow.
Senior Revolutionary Guard commander Ali Shadmani made the announcement on Monday, marking the first official acknowledgment of the acquisition.
While Shadmani, deputy coordinator of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Command, did not disclose the number of jets purchased or their delivery status, he emphasized Iran's commitment to bolstering its military capabilities.
'We are enhancing our air, land, and naval forces as required and have expedited the production of military equipment,' he stated.
The purchase comes amid Western concerns over deepening Iran-Russia ties. In November 2023, Iranian state media reported that Tehran had finalized arrangements for the procurement of Russian aircraft.
Earlier that month, the two nations signed a comprehensive strategic partnership, which highlighted "military-technical cooperation" but did not explicitly mention arms transfers.
Iran's air force, currently limited to a small fleet of older Russian and pre-1979 U.S. aircraft, stands to gain a significant upgrade with the Su-35 jets.
Shadmani also issued a pointed warning to Israel, stating, 'If the enemy acts recklessly, they will face the full force of our missiles, and no interest of theirs in the occupied territories will remain unscathed.'
