IRGC commander says Iran has purchased Russian-made Sukhoi-35 fighter jets

TEHRAN (Agencies): Iran has purchased Russian-made Sukhoi-35 fighter jets, a commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said Monday, amid growing concerns in the West over military cooperation between Tehran and Moscow.

IRGC commander Ali Shadmani, quoted by the state-affiliated Student News Network, did not disclose the number of jets purchased or whether they have already been delivered.

In November 2023, the IRGC-linked Tasnim news agency reported that Tehran had finalized arrangements to acquire the fighter jets.

Earlier this month, Iran and Russia signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement, which did not explicitly mention arms transfers but said the two countries will develop their “military-technical cooperation.”

Iran’s air force is currently limited, with only a few dozen strike aircraft, including Russian jets and aging US models acquired before the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Shadmani also said that “damaged defense systems have been replaced and tested in exercises,” likely referring to the October 26, 2024 Israeli airstrikes on military targets in Iran. According to Iranian officials, that attack caused “limited damage” to radar systems and killed four soldiers.

Analysts believe the Israeli strike dealt significant blows to Iran’s air defenses and missile capacities.