Iran will receive its first delivery of advanced Sukhoi 35 fighter jets from Russia as early as next week, according to the Iranian state news agency SNN. This is a significant upgrade for their current outdated air force, which includes aircraft such as the Phantom and American F-14, F-5, and F-4 planes, as well as MiG 29 aircraft.
The recent attack attributed to Israel in the Isfahan area also targeted a Russian S-300 air defense battery, which is part of the defense system for the Natanz nuclear facility. This development raises concerns about the growing military cooperation between Iran and Russia and the potential implications for Israel.
Russia is also expected to supply Iran with advanced S-400 air defense batteries in the near future. Given that Iran has been a main supplier of UAVs for the war in Ukraine, these new developments are closely monitored by international observers and analysts.
While the F-35s are more advanced than the Sukhoi 35s, this Russian supply will change the current balance of air power in the region. Israel may still remain more advanced, but once Iran operates the Sukhoi 35 jets, the technological gap will be significantly reduced. This development is likely to have a significant impact on regional security and stability.
