In recent years, the relationship between Iran and Russia has deepened, with military cooperation emerging as a key area. Moscow has finalized various sales of equipment to the Iranian Armed Forces to replace decades-old U.S.-origin hardware and platforms. This includes the Sukhoi Su-35 fighter-bombers, whose acquisition had been reported in various outlets but had never been officially confirmed by Tehran until yesterday, January 27, when a Revolutionary Guard Commander confirmed the deal between the two countries.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.zona-militar.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GNEPsVuX0AArCc6-1024x682-1.jpeg?resize=696%2C464&ssl=1)
For decades, the combat fleet of the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force has primarily consisted of U.S.-made aircraft inherited from the Shah’s era. Notable among these are the F-14A Tomcat, F-4 Phantom II, and F-5 Tiger II fighters. However, despite several units still being operational—as evidenced by a recent airshow featuring F-14As—Iran’s combat aviation is in dire need of modernization.
This modernization is being achieved with support from the Russian Federation. One key step has been the acquisition of Yakovlev Yak-130 advanced trainers, intended to train new pilots. This is a significant development, as these aircraft serve as a stepping stone for transitioning to more advanced and capable platforms like the Sukhoi Su-35. Reports indicate that the Iranian Air Force completed its acquisition of these jets late last year.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.zona-militar.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GeS6iNoXoAAbK9J-1024x555-1.jpeg?resize=696%2C377&ssl=1)
While details remain scarce and rumors persist—including reports from late November that the Iranian Air Force received its first Su-35s from Russia at the Komsomolsk-on-Amur plant before being transported to Mehrabad Airport in Tehran—there has been no official announcement or statement from the regime until now.
However, statements from senior commanders of the Revolutionary Guard have confirmed the sale. Ali Shadmani, Deputy Coordinator of the Khatam-ol-Anbia Central Headquarters, told local news agencies: “The Su-35 fighters have been acquired… Whenever we need, we will purchase military equipment to strengthen our Air Force, Army, and Navy,” though he did not specify the number of aircraft included in the deal.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.zona-militar.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Su-35S-ROSTEC-tanda-nov-2023-1-1024x683-1.jpg?resize=696%2C464&ssl=1)
In a clear reference to Israel, Shadmani added: “If the enemy acts recklessly, they will taste the bitter experience of being struck by our missiles, and none of their interests in the occupied territories will remain safe.”
Photos used for illustration purposes: Sukhoi Su-35 of the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS).
You may also like: U.S. warns about Iran sending new missiles to equip Russian Armed Forces