Iran has reportedly purchased Russian-made Sukhoi 35 fighter jets amid Western concerns about Tehran and Moscow’s growing military cooperation. Ali Shadmani, the deputy Coordinator of the Khatam-ol-Anbia, who was quoted by the media, did not clarify how many jets were purchased and whether they had already been delivered to Iran.
“Whenever necessary, we make military purchases to strengthen our air, land, and naval forces. The production of military equipment has also accelerated,” Shadmani added.
In November 2023, Iran’s Tasnim news agency said Tehran had finalized arrangements to buy Russian fighter jets. In early January 2025, Iran and Russia signed a comprehensive strategic partnership that did not mention arms transfers but said the two would develop their “military-technical cooperation.”
The deal reinforced ties between the two countries as they face mounting geopolitical pressures.
While Russia’s regional standing has been strained due to the war in Ukraine, Iran has been grappling with Western sanctions and the weakening of several regional allies amid conflict with Israel in West Asia. But more importantly, it was the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria in early December that proved to be the key impetus to the strengthening of ties between Tehran and Moscow.
Iran’s air force has only a few dozen strike aircraft, including Russian jets and aging U.S. F-14 aircraft acquired before the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The new jets are meant to bolster Tehran’s military capabilities.
It is time to understand the Israel-Iran air power dynamics after the Su-35 purchase.
Sukhoi Su-35
The Sukhoi Su-35 Super Flanker has basically evolved from the Su-27M air-defense fighter that first flew in June 1988, 36 years ago.
Sukhoi refined the aircraft’s capability during the development of India’s Su-30MKI. Su-35 is a single-seat, twin-engine, highly maneuverable, 4.5-generation air superiority fighter.
Awaiting the Sukhoi Su-57 fifth-generation aircraft that was still under development, in 2003, Sukhoi embarked on a second “deep” modernization of the Su-27 to serve as an interim export aircraft awaiting the development of the Sukhoi PAK FA (Su-57) program.
The aircraft’s ability to maintain a high angle of attack while flying at close to zero airspeed has traditionally attracted considerable media and public attention.
The Su-35 incorporated technologies from the PAK FA program, has a redesigned cockpit and weapons-control system, and features thrust-vectoring engines that obviated the need for the canards. The type made its first flight in February 2008.
Although it was designed for export, the Russian Air Force became the launch customer in 2009, with the production version designated Su-35S. China’s People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) also acquired 24 Su-35. The Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force is the next in line. The total built to date is around 150.
The Su-35 employs the N035 Irbis-E “Snow Leopard” passive electronically scanned array (PESA) radar, which is a further development of the N011M radar that had been evaluated on Su-27M test-beds and constitutes the core of the Su-35’s weapons-control system. It can detect an aerial target up to 400 km away and can track thirty airborne targets and engage eight simultaneously.
In addition, the multi-function radar can provide high-resolution images of the ground using synthetic aperture mode. The aircraft is equipped with an OLS-35 optoelectronic targeting system ahead of the cockpit to provide other forms of tracking, including infra-red search and track. The Su-35 is equipped with the L175M Khibiny-M electronic countermeasure system.
Radar-absorbent materials have been applied to the engine inlets and front stages of the engine compressor to halve the Su-35’s frontal radar cross-section and minimize the detection range of enemy radars.
The multi-role Su-35 can deploy air-to-air missiles with a range of up to 300 kilometers, carry the heavy Oniks anti-ship cruise missile, and carry a multitude of air-to-ground weaponry.
The Su-35 is powered by a pair of Saturn AL-41F1S turbofan engines, a highly upgraded variant of the AL-31F. The AL-41F1S is closely related to the Su-57’s Saturn AL-41F1, having 137.3 kN thrust with an afterburner.
The engines are equipped with thrust-vectoring nozzles, which have their rotational axes canted at an angle; the nozzles operate in one plane for pitch, but the canting allows the aircraft to produce both roll and yaw by vectoring each engine nozzle differently; this configuration was first implemented on the Su-30MKI and is also used on the Su-57. The engine gives the Su-35 the limited ability to sustain supersonic speed above Mach 1.1 without the use of afterburners (super-cruise).
The maximum take-off weight is 34,500 kg. Combat range is 1,600 km. The 12 hard points (10 on wing and fuselage stations and two on 2 wingtip rails can carry 8,000 kg ordnance. Various combinations could be up to 12 × R-77M/P/T/-1 AAMs, or 6 × Kh-29L/TE air-to-surface missiles, or 6 × Kh-31A/AD anti-shipping missiles, among others.
Su-35 In Operations In Syria
The Su-35S attained full operational capability (FOC) in late 2018. The aircraft complements the Su-30M2, Su-30SM, and the heavier Su-34 strike aircraft in the Russian Air Force.
In July 2020, the Russian Knights aerobatic team received eight new Su-35Ss in addition to its previously acquired Su-30SM aircraft. The 185th Combat Training and Combat Application Center, also known as an aggressor squadron of the Russian Aerospace Forces, received three Su-35S in September 2022.
In January 2016, Russia made the first combat deployment of the Su-35S when it sent four aircraft to Syria. The combat deployment to Syria helped refine aircraft avionics.
Su-35s in Syria carried unguided bombs. Russian Su-35Ss, operating from the Khmeimim Air Base, intercepted Turkish Air Force F-16s on many occasions and forced them to leave the Syrian airspace.
Russian Su-35Ss also intercepted several Israeli aircraft over southern Syria and prevented them from carrying out airstrikes.
Su-35 In Ukraine
Su-35S fighters were used for air superiority missions during the Ukraine war. At least seven air-to-air victories were reported over Ukrainian fighters and one over a Ukrainian Naval Aviation Mil Mi-14.
On April 3, 2022, the first Russian Su-35S was shot down by Ukrainian forces, with the pilot ejecting and being captured. Both sides have made claims and counterclaims of Su-35-related successes.
Sales To China Amid IPR Concerns
China had reportedly first shown interest in the Su-35 in 2006. However, sales discussions were protracted due to concerns about intellectual property rights. China reverse-engineered the Su-27SK and Su-33 to create the J-11B and J-15, respectively. The Chinese industry was reportedly interested in the AL-41F1S engine and Irbis-E radar.
PLAAF received the first four aircraft in December 2016. With the J-20’s commissioning, Russia understood that the Su-35 would “lose its value” to the Chinese and it would be the last (combat) aircraft China imports.
Also, in 2018, the U.S. imposed sanctions on China’s Equipment Development Department and its director for engaging in “significant transactions” with Rosoboronexport, specifically Su-35s and S-400 SAMs.
Sale To Iran
Following the Russian purchase of Iranian suicide drones during the invasion of Ukraine, the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF) began considering the procurement of the Su-35 in exchange for further delivery of ammunition and drones.
The training of Iranian pilots reportedly began in early 2022, and the aircraft were to be delivered in 2023. The deal was to be for 24 Su-35s originally built for Egypt.
Iran has also ordered Russia’s air defense and missile systems, as well as helicopters. It has also received deliveries of the Yak-130 advanced jet trainer. Finally, an order for 24 Su-35s was reported in April 2024. Iran received two Su-35E in November 2024 out of a total order of 50 aircraft. Further deliveries will be made to replace Iran’s F-14 fleet.
Potential Su-35 Customers
The United Arab Emirates evaluated the Su-27M but later acquired the Mirage 2000. In February 2017, the country was to sign a preliminary agreement for the Su-35 purchase.
Su-35 is competing with seven other aircraft for India’s 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) deal. Unconfirmed reports indicate that in December 2019, Algeria reportedly signed a contract for 14 aircraft as part of a large military deal that also included the purchase of Su-34 and Su-57 fighters.
In July 2019, Russia offered the Su-35 to Turkey after the United States removed it from the F-35 program due to the purchase of the S-400 missile system.
Russia was also ready to cooperate with Turkey on the export and local production of the Su-57. There are others like Egypt, Vietnam, Kazakhstan, North Korea, Venezuela, Sudan, and Pakistan who have shown interest.
Israeli Air Force
The Israeli Air Force (IAF) is responsible for air and space operations. It has around 34,000 active personnel, 55,000 reserve personnel, and 608 aircraft.
Major operations included the 1956 Suez Crisis, the 1967 Six-Day War, and the Yom Kippur War of 1973. As many as 172 Egyptian aircraft were shot down in air-to-air combat, for a loss of between 5 and 21 for the Israelis on all fronts.
Most of Israel’s military aircraft have been obtained from the United States. Among these are the A-4 Skyhawk, F-4 Phantom II, F-15 Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-35 Lightning II, the C-130 Special Operations aircraft, and the Apache Longbow (designated AH-64DI).
The IAF has also operated domestically produced IAI Nesher, and IAI Kfir.
In June 1981, eight IAF F-16s escorted by six F-15s carried out Operation Opera to destroy the Iraqi nuclear facilities at Osiraq. In June 1982, the IAF carried out Operation Mole Cricket 19, crippling Syrian air defenses in Lebanon.
In October 1985, in response to a PLO terrorist attack that murdered three Israeli civilians in Cyprus, the Israeli air force carried out Operation Wooden Leg, bombing the PLO Headquarters in Tunis.
In 1991, the IAF carried out Operation Solomon, which brought Ethiopian Jews to Israel. In 1993 and 1996, the IAF participated in Operation Accountability and Operation Grapes of Wrath.
It has participated in many operations since, including the 2006 Lebanon War, Operation Cast Lead, Operation Pillar of Cloud, Operation Protective Edge, Operation Guardian of the Walls and Operation Swords of Iron.
In September 2007, the Israeli Air Force successfully bombed an alleged Syrian nuclear reactor in Operation Orchard. In May 2021, Israeli artillery and air force carried out 1,500 strikes on Gaza during Operation Guardian of the Walls. Starting in October 2023, the Israeli Air Force fulfilled a main role in the war against Hamas.
IAF has played a major role in the Syrian Civil War. IAF has hit many targets in a retaliatory strike on Iran in late 2024.
IAF Combat Status
The IAF has state-of-the-art aircraft, a large inventory of UAVs, and Loiter Munitions. Israel has some of the best home-grown air defense systems, like the Iron Dome and David’s Sling. The IAF is backed by a strong domestic arms industry and regularly exercises with some of the best air forces in the world.
The IAF has extensive continuous combat exposure and experience. Its current aircraft inventory includes 66 F-15I, 25 F-15EX on order, 174 F-16s, and 38 F-35 Lightning IIs.
The IAF also has 4 AEW&Cs and 22 Flight Tankers. Clearly, the IAF has the capability to take on multiple air forces in the region simultaneously and non-state actors like Hamas, Hezbollah, and Houthis.
Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force
The Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF) is the aviation branch of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army. The IRIAF was heavily involved in the Iran–Iraq War, carrying out major operations and the first attack on a nuclear reactor in history as part of Operation Scorch Sword.
Due to strained relations with the West, Iran had to procure new equipment from Brazil, the Soviet Union, and China. Due to the continuous shortage of spare parts faced by the Air Force, a decision was made in the late 1980s to develop a local aerospace industry to support the Air Force.
In 2002, Iran, with the cooperation of Ukraine, successfully started the manufacture of the Iran-140, a license-built version of the Antonov An-140 transport aircraft.
Simultaneously, Iran began constructing two domestically produced fighters, using technology from the F-14 Tomcat and the F-5 Tiger II. The fighters have been named the Azarakhsh and the Shafaq. Since then, the country has also become self-sufficient in manufacturing helicopters.
The country claims it can produce the U.S. AH-1 Cobra gunship. Additionally, Iran produces helicopters, such as the Bell 212 and Bell 206 helicopters, in serial production. These are known respectively as the Shabaviz 2-75 and the Shabaviz 206.
Iranian Fighter/Attack aircraft include 14xF-14A, 24xMiG-29A/UB, 12xMirage F1 variants, 17xF-7M, 64xF-4D/E, 21xSu-24MK, 35xF-5E/F, 2xSu-35S (48 more on order), 22xHESA light jet variants. They fly CH-47, Bell 212, and Bell 206 Helicopters.
They have Kaman 22, Kaman-12, and Mohajer-6 indigenous UAVs. The transport fleet includes C-130, IL-76, F27, Boeing 747, Boeing 707, Falcon 20, Falcon 50, and HESA Simourgh. They have six tanker aircraft. The IRIAF air fleet is aging; some aircraft are over 40 years old.
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Iran and Russia have formed closer relations, with Iran supplying Russia with loitering munitions such as the HESA Shahed 136. Russia has offered fighter aircraft in return.
IRIAF Combat Experience
There were over 300 air-to-air engagements between 1980 and 1988 during the Iran-Iraq War. Despite limitations and sanctions, the IRIAF achieved a successful kill rate in air-to-air combat against Iraqi jets, to the point that in air-to-air engagements, Iran’s kill ratio was roughly 5:1. The F-14 Tomcat was particularly very successful.
From mid-1987, the IRIAF was also confronted by U.S. Navy fighters over the Persian Gulf. This stretched available IRIAF assets to the limit and exhausted its capacity. The IRIAF developed proven tactics and skillful battle-tested pilots, thus becoming one of the most experienced air forces in the region.
During the 1991 Persian Gulf War, numerous Iraqi pilots flew Iraqi Air Force aircraft to Iran to avoid destruction by coalition forces. The Iranians impounded these aircraft and never returned them, putting them in service in the IRIAF and claiming them as reparations for the Iran–Iraq War.
The aircraft included several Mirage F1s, MiG-23s, MiG-29s, Su-20s, Su-22Ms, Su-24s, Su-25s and a number of Il-76s, including the secret, one-off AEW&C Il-76 prototype. In late 2014, Iran returned 130 military aircraft to Iraq.
To Summarise
Clearly, Iran has few friends. Russia, China, and North Korea are open to supporting it. China will also not push too much because of its economic engagement with the West.
The USA and many Western countries continue to back Israel against Iran. Also, many West Asian countries do not like Iran. U.S. sanctions also mean lesser international support.
Iran does have a successful ballistic missile and kamikaze drone program. However, it does not have a significant aircraft industry. Many Iranian aircraft are old and surviving on grey market spares. They are overdue for retirement.
Israel has the backing of Western defense technologies. Israel also gets significant defense aid from the USA. The induction of a few Su-35s will certainly add strength to IRIAF, but they will be no match to the Israeli air power.
Iran will continue to depend on ballistic missiles, drones, and its proxies Hamas, Hezbollah, and Houthis to hurt Israel.
- Air Marshal Anil Chopra (Retired) is an Indian Air Force veteran fighter test pilot and former Director-General of the Center for Air Power Studies in New Delhi. He has been decorated with gallantry and distinguished service medals while serving in the IAF for 40 years.
- He tweets @Chopsyturvey
- Follow EurAsian Times on Google News
