Iran has finalized arrangements for the acquisition of state-of-the-art Russian military aircraft. Tasnim news agency reported Deputy Defense Minister Brigadier General Mahdi Farahi confirmed the forthcoming inclusion of Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets, Mil Mi-28 attack helicopters, and Yak-130 jet trainers into Iran’s armed forces. Highlighting the significance of this acquisition, General Farahi emphasized the strategic advantage these advanced aircraft will provide. The addition of these assets will not only bolster Iran’s existing fleet but also contribute to the ongoing modernization efforts within the country’s defense apparatus.
Of notable importance is the impending entry of Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets, which represents a pivotal upgrade to Iran’s fighter aircraft capabilities. As the nation hasn’t procured new fighter aircraft in recent years, this move signifies a significant step forward in Iran’s military aviation landscape. The Sukhoi Su-35 (NATO reporting name: Flanker-E) is single-seat, twin-engine, supermaneuverable air superiority fighters, designed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau and built by Sukhoi. The Su-35 is a very fast and highly maneuverable fighter with very long range, high altitude capability and heavy armament.
Furthermore, the inclusion of Mil Mi-28 attack helicopters showcases Iran’s commitment to enhancing its rotary-wing capabilities. The Mil Mi-28 (NATO reporting name “Havoc”) is a Soviet all-weather, day-night, military tandem, two-seat anti-armor attack helicopter. It is an attack helicopter with no intended secondary transport capability, better optimized than the Mil Mi-24 gunship for the role. It carries a single gun in an undernose barbette, plus external loads carried on pylons beneath stub wings. The Mi-28 is a new-generation attack helicopter that functions as an air-to-air and air-to-ground partner for the Mi-24 Hind and Ka-50 Hokum.
Moreover, the acquisition of Yak-130 jet trainers signifies Iran’s commitment to honing the skills of its military pilots. The Yakovlev Yak-130 (NATO reporting name: Mitten)[3] is a subsonic two-seat advanced jet trainer and light combat aircraft originally developed by Yakovlev and Aermacchi as the “Yak/AEM-130”. It has also been marketed as a potential light attack aircraft. These trainers, developed by Russia’s Yakovlev and Aermacchi, will play a pivotal role in preparing Iranian pilots for the intricacies of operating advanced fighter jets, including 4+ and fifth-generation aircraft like the Sukhoi Su-57.
The collaborative efforts between Iran and Russia in various domains, including economic, trade, energy, and military cooperation, underscore the mutually beneficial relationship between the two nations. The country already boasts the region’s most substantial fleet of military aircrafts in terms of quantity, and continuous upgrades to these assets have solidified Iran’s position as a formidable force in the region. As Iran gears up to incorporate these advanced military aircraft, the focus remains on strengthening its defense infrastructure and ensuring readiness to address evolving security challenges in the region.
