Iran Bolsters Airpower with Russian Su-35 Fighter Jets
In a move that has sent ripples through geopolitical circles, Iran has officially received its first two Sukhoi Su-35SE fighter jets. The transfer, confirmed by German aviation publication Flug Revue, took place on November 18th at the Komsomolsk-on-Amur aviation base in Russia.
The powerful jets, dismantled for transport, were flown on an An-124 transport aircraft to Mehrabad Airport in Tehran before being moved to their final destination at the Islamic Republic Air Force Base in Hamadan. This delivery marks a significant step in a larger deal that is expected to ultimately see Iran acquire 50 of these advanced warplanes.
Initially, Iran was believed to be seeking 25 Su-35s as replacements for some of its aging F-14s stationed at Isfahan Air Force Base. However, the order was expanded to 50, with the intention of phasing out their aging F-4 fleet at the Hamadan base.
Rumors about this acquisition have swirled for months, but concrete evidence remained elusive until now. Alongside the Su-35s, Iran is also reportedly set to receive Russian-made Mi-28 attack helicopters and Yak-130 training aircraft, further bolstering its airpower capabilities.
The Su-35, a modernized evolution of the Soviet-era Su-27, is widely considered to be one of Russia’s most potent fighter jets, second only to the Su-57, which is currently being produced in limited numbers.
"The Su-35 is the first in the list of the most dangerous weapons of the Russian Federation in a hypothetical conflict with the United States," echoed the National Interest publication. NATO officials have also labeled the Su-35 as "extremely dangerous" to their aircraft.
Among its notable strengths, the Su-35 is capable of deploying the fearsome R-37M air-to-air missile, boasting a range of 300 kilometers (186 miles), according to Russian data. This advanced weaponry puts it in a class with other Russian fighters like the MiG-31BM and Su-30SM2.
Analysts note that the Su-35 does have its limitations. It lacks stealth technology, a feature increasingly vital in modern warfare, and its radar system, though powerful, is not cutting-edge.
This latest acquisition by Iran is sure to raise eyebrows in Washington and across the Western world, highlighting the evolving balance of power in the Middle East. The implications for regional security and the potential impact on delicate international relations remain to be seen.
2024-12-02 11:55:00
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