Iran has officially confirmed the acquisition of Russian Su-35 fighter jets, a pivotal move in its efforts to modernize its aging air force. General Ali Shadmadi, Deputy Chief of the Central Headquarters of the Armed Forces “Hatam al-Anbia” and a senior member of the IRGC, confirmed the purchase, highlighting it as part of a broader initiative to enhance Iran’s military capabilities. The general stated that further acquisitions would be made as needed to strengthen Iran’s air, ground, and naval forces, although the exact number of Su-35s obtained remains unspecified.

The Su-35, a highly advanced fourth++ generation fighter, is equipped with the sophisticated Irbis-E radar system and various electronic countermeasures, making it a formidable asset in modern aerial combat. The jet’s versatility is bolstered by its ability to carry a wide range of air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles.

This development follows years of international sanctions that had hindered Iran’s ability to modernize its military. According to sources such as Flugrevue, the initial delivery of two Su-35SE fighters occurred at the end of the previous year as part of a deal for 25 aircraft, which was later expanded to 50, likely in response to rising regional tensions.

The Su-35s are expected to replace Iran’s aging fleet of American-made F-14 Tomcat jets, which were originally delivered in the 1970s. These aircraft, stationed at Isfahan Air Base, have long been plagued by a shortage of spare parts and lack of technological support.

In addition to this acquisition, Shadmadi revealed that new air defense systems have been successfully tested and deployed to replace those damaged during Israeli airstrikes on October 26, 2024, signaling Iran’s ongoing efforts to bolster its defensive capabilities in response to Israeli air operations targeting strategic sites within the country.

The broader context of this development lies in the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict, a complex and longstanding struggle marked by ideological, political, and strategic tensions. The roots of this conflict trace back to pre-1979 when Iran and Israel had a relatively cordial relationship. However, after the Islamic Revolution, Iran severed diplomatic ties with Israel and adopted a strong anti-Israel stance, further exacerbated by its support for Palestinian causes and groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. This ideological rift has led to proxy wars and direct confrontations, with Israel viewing Iran as an existential threat, particularly due to its support for militant groups and nuclear ambitions.

In summary, the Iran-Israel conflict remains deeply entrenched, driven by a combination of religious ideology, national security concerns, and regional power struggles. Despite efforts to avoid full-scale war, both sides continue to engage in escalating hostilities, with the acquisition of advanced military assets like the Su-35 signaling Iran’s commitment to strengthening its position in this ongoing geopolitical struggle.

The Su-35 itself, a modern evolution of the Su-27 “Flanker” series, represents the pinnacle of Russian fighter jet technology. This fourth++ generation fighter, equipped with advanced avionics, thrust-vectoring engines, and a powerful radar system, has become a key player in modern aerial warfare. The aircraft’s ability to supercruise, carry a wide array of munitions, and execute highly maneuverable combat tactics makes it a formidable asset on the global stage, as demonstrated in operational deployments in regions such as Syria.