Iran finalizes deal to buy Russian Su-35 fighter jets

"We have completed the plan to bring Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets, Mil Mi-28 attack helicopters and Yak-130 training aircraft into the combat units of the Iranian army," Tasnim news agency quoted Iranian Deputy Defense Minister Mehdi Farahi in a report on November 28.

Tasnim's report did not mention Russian confirmation of the deal. Moscow did not immediately comment.

Iran hoàn tất thỏa thuận mua chiến đấu cơ Su-35 của Nga - Ảnh 1. — A Russian Su-35S aircraft

Mr. Farahi said that the three types of military aircraft mentioned above will definitely be used by Iran. The general also noted that Iran has the strongest military helicopter fleet in the region in terms of numbers and has upgraded the capabilities of its helicopter fleet after implementing a number of projects.

According to Reuters, Iran's air force has only a few dozen attack aircraft, including Russian aircraft as well as old American models that Tehran bought before the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

According to Tasnim, Iran has not purchased any new fighter jets in recent years, except for a few Russian MiG-29 Fulcrums it bought in the 1990s.

Iran's Quds Force vows to 'do everything' to help Hamas

In 2018, Iran said it had begun production of its domestically designed Kowsar fighter jet for use in its air force. Military experts believe the fighter jet is a copy of the F-5, which was first produced in the United States in the 1960s, according to Reuters.

Iran and Russia have signed major agreements to boost economic, trade, energy and military cooperation. In September, the Iranian air force received its first Russian-made Yak-130 aircraft, according to Tasnim.

Source link