For decades, Iran has been struggling with the modernization of its armed forces, which has been repeatedly hampered by a multitude of sanctions that prevent it from obtaining high-tech military equipment. To preserve their air force, Iranian staff have had no other choice but to use old U.S. and Russian airplanes, most of which are leftovers from the Cold War era and consequently are gradually becoming obsolete due to maintenance issues.
The situation has changed significantly when the Russian government allowed Su-35 fighter jets to be sold to Tehran – a gesture which, according to most analysts, has become one of the most important changes in Iran’s desire to beef up its defense capabilities. After the expiration of UN sanctions in 2020, Iran was free to embark on massive weapons transactions, and the Su-35 turned out to be not only the highlight of its modernization program but also the fastest way to Iran’s plan to update its air force.
Increasingly over the last few years, Moscow and Tehran have become more and more connected with each other. The West has shut off Russia from most of its markets, so it has had no other option but to avail itself of the Iranian drone industry as well as secure other military assistance. As a result, Russia has agreed to deliver sophisticated equipment, including the Su-35, Mi-28 attack helicopters, and Yak-130 as the training aircraft. The deepening of the exchange has caused dismay in Washington and among its allies, seeing the partnership as another factor that destabilizes an already volatile region.
Among other things, the Su-35 itself is a big step up. Only a few years after it was first conceived in the mid-2010s, it is an air-superiority fighter that boasts highly maneuverable capabilities and is fitted with modern avionics, engines with thrust vectoring, and an extensive armament. Buying the Su-35 would be a radical change for Ir, whose fleet is still very much made up of old F-4 Phantoms, F-5 Tigers, and MiG-29s. Iranian authorities have even gone as far as confirming that the jets would primarily be used to deter adversaries, thereby giving Iran the assurance to protect itself and expand its power in the whole area.
It will not be so easy to incorporate such high-tech aircraft among the other planesWith the perfection of the radar and systems of electronic warfare, the Iranian pilots and ground crews will require a lot of practice to be capable of operating the fighter. Besides that, the maintenance of the country had been planned for fairly older aircraft, and it will still require great alterations to be able to support the Su-35. Also, establishing the new planes with the current command and communication systems of Iran will bring another obstacle.
The regional moves were as rapid as the reaction. Israel has the most advanced air force in the Middle E; st, at any rate, the acquisition is seen by it as a direct challenge. According to the reports, Israeli officials have asked Moscow to reconsider the decision, fearing that Iran and its allies in Syria and Lebanon would become more powerful. While Gulf Arab states, already very uneasy about Iran’s drone and missile advances, are reconsidering their own defenses and increasing their purchases of Western systems, including the F-35.
The deal is a clear example of the inefficiency of sanctions and arms embargoes from the point of view of Western powers. Nevertheless, the restrictions expire, the fact that Iracanto gets high-tech fighters poses new challenges for regional security. The question remains open whether the adoption of even more stringent measures should be used to slow down the proliferation of such highly sophisticated weapons.
Actually, the short-term effect of the Su-35 in Iran may be much less spectacular than the headlines suggest. The move is more about quality than quantity if only a small number of jets are anticipated. Tharmadary of Israel, which is supported by dozens of F-35s and hundreds of other advanced aircraft, remains way ahead. The Su-35s will be the mainstays of Iran’s defensive stance and deterrent might, ht but still, they are not expected to be so strong as to directly confront Israel or U.S. forces.
In terms of politics, the transaction is mutually beneficial. Russia gets a loyal partner to help her fight against the West, while Iran gets to realize its long-desired update without being caught up in Moscow’s bigger conflicts. Both seem satisfied keeping things practical and transactional, steering clear of formal alliance rigidity.
In the future, the increase in the level of cooperation may be attributed to sc co-production, more extensive drone and missile programs, and further integration of advanced systems. Nevertheless, challenges lie, er such as delays in shipment and technical difficulties, as well as the impact of political unrest if tension escalates.
According to rea regional strategist, the Su-35’s sale is not just another arms contract. It reflects the change in alliances, the new dimensions of deterrence, and a future in which the balance of power in the Middle East seems less and less stable.