Exclusive: Su‑35 Fighter Delivery Underway in Iran – 10 Aircraft Assembled
Nearly two years after signing arms contracts between Iran and Russia, the first batch of modern Su‑35 fighters has arrived in Iran.
According to the IUVM news agency, an Iranian security official—who requested anonymity—told an IUVM reporter that the Iranian Air Force has received its first shipment of Russian Su‑35 fighters, which are currently undergoing technical preparation in the country.
The official explained that after preparing for the introduction of these advanced fighters and the arrival of Yak‑130 training jets designed to enhance pilot readiness for the Su‑35, Russia initiated the import process into Iran.
Based on the terms of the agreements, the initial phase involves delivering ready‑made parts that will be assembled domestically. To date, 10 Su‑35 fighter jets have been assembled in Iran, with more than 50 expected to be delivered during this first phase, anticipated to conclude within the next few months.
The official further noted that the operational flights of the Yak‑130 jets during military exercises serve as a precursor to the eventual unveiling of Iran’s new fighter jets. However, the military currently plans to postpone an official reveal until the flight squadrons are fully organized, with an unveiling scheduled during future exercises.
It is expected that the arrival of these fighter jets will significantly bolster Iran’s defensive and offensive capabilities against its adversaries, including Israel.
In addition, the security official stated that the second stage of the Su‑35 order will differ from the first. In the next phase, all components of the Su‑35 fighters will be manufactured in Iran with Russian assistance before being assembled locally. Although no further details were provided regarding the current location of the fighter jets, published images of underground and mountain-based military airports—as well as Iran’s extensive subterranean facilities—suggest that these new aircraft are presently housed in underground centers. They will be transferred to military airports once the flight squadrons are fully completed and officially unveiled.
