Iran finalises deal to buy Russian fighter jets

DUBAI: Iran has finalised arrangements for the delivery of Russian made Sukhoi su-35 fighter jets and helicopters, Iran’s deputy defence minister told Iran’s Tasnim news agency on Tuesday, as Tehran and Moscow forge closer military relations.

Iran’s air force has only a few dozen strike aircraft, including Russian jets as well as ageing US models acquired before the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

“Plans have been finalised for Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets, Mil Mi-28 attack helicopters, and Yak-130 jet trainers to join the combat units of Iran’s Army,” Iran’s deputy Defence Minister Mehdi Farahi said.

The Tasnim report did not include any Russian confirmation of the deal. In 2018, Iran said it had started production of the locally-designed Kowsar fighter for use in its air force. Military experts believe the jet is a carbon copy of the F-5, first produced in the United States in the 1960s.

The Russian government does not appear to have confirmed the agreement, and other Iranian officials in months past have claimed the Sukhoi transfers, in particular, were a done deal. The new report doesn’t say how many of each aircraft are involved, but media outlets have reported as many as 24 Sukhoi fighters could be in the mix.