Iran Secures Purchase of Su-35 Fighter Jets from Russia to Enhance Military Power

In a significant move, Iran has successfully purchased a batch of Russian Su-35 fighter jets, according to a statement made by Ali Shadmani, the deputy chief of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters of Iran’s Armed Forces.

Shadmani, a high-ranking general in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), confirmed the deal but did not specify the exact number of jets involved.

Details on the Su-35 Fighter Jets

The Su-35 is a sophisticated, multirole 4++ generation fighter aircraft known for its advanced maneuverability.

It’s designed to tackle a variety of military targets, including air, ground, and surface objectives.

Additionally, the Su-35 is capable of striking infrastructure protected by air defense systems, even at considerable distances from its base of operations.

Developed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau and manufactured at the Gagarin Aircraft Plant in Russia, these fighter jets are part of a broader strategy to enhance Iran’s military capabilities.

The Arms Deal Timeline

This purchase follows Iran’s approval to procure the Su-35 several years ago, after the United Nations arms embargo on the country was lifted in October 2020.

This change allowed Iran to buy conventional weapons like fighter jets, which were previously restricted under the terms of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which aimed to address Iran’s nuclear program.

The lifting of the embargo was a significant turning point for Iran, as it removed prohibitions on arms sales and paved the way for deals like the Su-35 purchase.

The final agreement was made in March 2023, though the exact number of jets has not been disclosed.

Implications of the Expired Embargo

The expiration of the UN arms embargo on Iran in October 2020 marked a shift in global military dynamics. The embargo, which had been in place for five years as part of the 2015 JCPOA agreement, prevented Iran from acquiring key military equipment, including combat tanks, attack helicopters, and fighter aircraft, unless granted special approval by the UN Security Council.

With the embargo lifted, Iran is now able to make such purchases freely, allowing for the acquisition of advanced military technology like the Su-35 without additional UN oversight.

This purchase of Su-35 jets by Iran is part of its ongoing efforts to bolster its defense capabilities, and it signals the country’s intent to modernize its military in the face of regional tensions.