Iran turns to Russia to modernise fighter jet fleet
The Su-35 has a simultaneous tracking capability of up to 30 for aerial targets and four for ground targets. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)
The latest reports of Iran receiving 24 Russian Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets emerged through Western intelligence sources at the end of last year.
Shahriar Heidari, a member of the Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, confirmed this in the middle of January in an interview with Iranian media.
The Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force’s (IRIAF) is in dire need of modern air capabilities as it still largely relies on US-built fighter jets procured before the 1979 revolution.
In 2015, reports said the IRIAF wanted to procure Su-30s, but Tehran’s priorities were focused elsewhere at the time.
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 1 free story per week
- Personalised news alerts
- Daily and weekly newsletters
- Free magazine subscription to all our titles
- Downloadable equipment data handbooks
- Distribution rights (Corporate only)
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
- 10-year news archive access
- Downloadable equipment data handbooks
- Distribution rights (Corporate only)
More from Air Warfare
-
Northrop Grumman advances airborne connectivity for US Air Force
Northrop Grumman's Software Programmable Open Mission Systems Compliant (SPOC) multifunction processor will help define the USAF's approach to next-generation airborne radio.
-
US Air Force needs over 200 B-21 bombers, expert argues as maiden flight faces delays
The first flight of Northrop Grumman's B-21 Raider stealth bomber has been delayed, while experts argue the US Air Force is in need of more than 300 bombers as tensions heighten across the globe.
-
Australian firm selected for US hypersonic test vehicle requirement
Hypersonix Launch Systems will provide flight vehicles for testing under a US Defense Innovation Unit hypersonic programme.
-
Slovakia to get US attack helicopters after donating jets to Ukraine
The US is offering a dozen AH-1Z Viper helicopters to Slovakia at two-thirds discount with the latter sending its fighters to Ukraine, which would likely extend H-1 production beyond 2023.
-
Singapore at-sea deployment of F-35Bs can overcome airfield dependency
Singapore could potentially deploy F-35Bs from its Joint Multi-Mission Ship to overcome airfield dependency and improve air defence as part of its apparent new security strategy.