Iran to Receive Russian Fighter Jets After War Ends

Iran expects to receive Russian-made Su-35 fighter jets once the US-Iran war concludes, according to a statement released on Sunday.

General Mohammad Akraminia, a spokesman for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, told the Persian-language outlet Tabnak that the military was in the final stages of acquiring the aircraft before hostilities started at the end of February. He stated that the preliminary work, including contract signing and pilot training, was already finished when the conflict erupted.

“We had already completed the necessary preliminary work, including the procurement process and the signing of contracts,” Akraminia said. “The necessary work concerning pilot training and instruction had also been completed, and there were no longer any problems in that regard.” He did not explain why the planes did not arrive before the fighting began, but he added that they are expected to reach Iran after the war ends.

The Su-35 is designed and produced by Sukhoi, a subsidiary of Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation. Although Akraminia did not explicitly name Russia in the interview, it remains the only established manufacturer of the jet. Russia permits other nations, including Iran, to operate the aircraft despite the geopolitical context.

Akraminia said the IRGC intends to use the new jets to upgrade its air fleet and advance domestic technology. He argued that purchasing foreign equipment provides a foundation for further development by Iranian engineers. “Purchasing equipment from abroad will bring us closer to advanced technologies, which we can then use as a foundation for further development,” he said.

The general also outlined plans to expand ground-based and airborne radar systems and satellite capabilities to support the new aircraft. He noted that the Su-35 requires these supporting systems to reach full operational potential. Akraminia said US sanctions have complicated military rebuilding efforts by restricting the flow of defense technologies and goods into the country.

“The Americans have absolutely refused to allow these new technologies to enter our country,” he said. “They have imposed very severe sanctions.” He added that Iran developed its current capabilities domestically through the work of specialists in defense industries, universities, and knowledge-based companies. Akraminia claimed that during both wars with the US, Iran did not use a single foreign-produced weapon.