Iran finalizes deal on Russian Su-35 jets, choppers
Iran has finalized arrangements for the delivery of Russian-made Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets and helicopters, and jet trainers, said the deputy defense minister on Tuesday.
As Tehran and Moscow forge closer military relations, Brigadier General Mahdi Farahi said plans have been finalized for Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets, Mil Mi-28 attack helicopters, and Yak-130 jet trainers to join the combat units of the Iranian Armed Forces, Tasnim news agency reported.
He said those three advanced military aircraft will be definitely at Iran’s disposal and the process is underway.
The general noted that Iran has the strongest fleet of military helicopters in the region, in terms of quantity, and has upgraded the capabilities of the chopper after carrying out several projects.
Iran hasn’t acquired any new fighter aircraft in recent years, other than a few Russian MiG-29 Fulcrum fighters in the 1990s.
Iran and Russia have signed major deals to boost their economic, trade, energy and military cooperation.
In September, the Iranian Air Force received its first Russian-made Yak-130 jet trainers.
Developed by Russia’s Yakovlev and Aermacchi, the Yak-130 is a subsonic two-seat jet trainer and light combat aircraft.
The advanced aircraft would allow Iranian military pilots to undergo training in operating 4+ and fifth-generation fighter jets, like Sukhoi Su-57.