Iran needs new Su fighters but delivery date unknown: Iran Air Force

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
2 Jun 2023 20:07

Prior to the purchase, the government will have to send Iranian pilots to Russia to receive instructions on how to operate the jets.

In this photo released by the Russian Defense Ministry Press Service, a pair of Russian Su-35 fighter jets fly in the sky in Russia, Nov. 28, 2021 (Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP, File)

Commander of the Iranian air force Brig. Gen. Hamid Vahedi said on Friday that Iran needs to acquire new Russian-made Sukhoi fighter jets, however, the date of their supply depends on the government's decision.

"As for Su jets… we need them, but we don't know when they will be delivered to our squadron, it depends on the decision of the country's senior officials," Vahedi was quoted as saying by the Tasnim news agency.

Prior to the purchase, the government will have to send Iranian pilots to Russia to receive instructions on how to operate the jets. Graduates will then be able to instruct other pilots on the use of the warplanes, the official added.

Vahidi also pointed out that Iran's domestically-manufactured Kowsar fighter is currently undergoing final trials, noting that the production of a squadron of these particular jets is planned in the near future.

The domestically-manufactured Yasin training aircraft is likewise scheduled to be introduced into the Iranian air force in the near future, the commander noted.

Vahedi added that Iran can overhaul any available aircraft, that in 2022 alone, a total of 30 aircraft were repaired, and that number is projected to rise this year.

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Iran is prepared to work with friendly nations to train UAV operators, including as part of the academic program at the military academy of the Iranian Air Force. Brig. Gen. Vahedi said.

"An UAV faculty was established at the Shahid Sattari University of Aeronautical Engineering, and we have been training [drone] operators for several years ... And we have announced to friendly countries that we are ready to cooperate with them in this field," Vahedi was quoted as saying by the Tasnim news agency.

According to the report, the commander of the Iranian air force also stated that Tehran was creating UAVs that were invisible to adversary radiolocation systems.

Iran and Russia have been undertaking measures and agreements to boost their economic, trade, energy, and military cooperation. In March, Iran's mission to the UN told Sputnik that Iran has finalized a deal to purchase Su-35 fighter jets from Russia. However, information on the number of aircraft and the timing of their delivery remained classified.

"Following the end of the Iran-Iraq war in 1988, Iran asked a bunch of countries to buy fighter jets, and Russia said it was open to selling," the mission said.

"The Su-35 fighter jets are technically acceptable to Iran, so after October 2020 and the end of Iran's restrictions on conventional weapons purchases (UN Resolution 2231), Iran finalized the deal to buy them," Tehran's delegation added.

White House Strategic Communications Coordinator John Kirby said on May 15 that Iran wants to acquire billions of dollars worth of military equipment from Russia, which is already "offering Iran unprecedented defense cooperation including on missiles, electronics, air defense."

"In total, Iran is seeking billions of dollars worth of military equipment from Russia... This is a full-scale defense partnership that is harmful to Ukraine, to the region - the Middle East - and to the international community."

According to the coordinator, Iran is also aiming to purchase attack helicopters, radars, and combat trainer aircraft from Russia.

Russia has already expressed interest in Iran's track record of aircraft development amidst pressure resulting from foreign sanctions. Earlier in April, despite Western sanctions, Russian flag carrier Aeroflot, for the first time, deployed an Airbus A330-300 to Iran for landing gear maintenance.