Dubai (Reuters) -Ran has bought Russian Sukhoi -35 fighter jets, said a senior revolutionary guards commander on Monday, amidst Western concerns about the growing military cooperation of Tehran and Moscow.
This is the first time that an Iranian official has confirmed the purchase of SU-35-Jets. Ali Shadmani, quoted by the Student News Network, did not clarify how many jets were purchased and whether they had already been delivered to Iran.
“When needed, we make military purchases to strengthen our air, land and naval forces. […] The production of military equipment is also accelerated, “the deputy coordinator of the central headquarters of Khatam-Ol-Anbia.
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“If the enemy acts foolish, it will taste the bitter taste of touching our rockets, and none of his interests in the occupied territories will remain safe,” warned Shadmani referring to Iran's arch rival in the region, Israel.
In November 2023, the Tasnim press agency of Iran said that Tehran had completed regulations to buy Russian fighter jets.
Earlier this month, Iran and Russia signed an extensive strategic partnership in which no weapon transfer was mentioned, but said that the two will develop their 'military technical cooperation'.
Iran Air Force has only a few dozen strike aircraft, including Russian jets and aging American models that were acquired before the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
(Reporting by Dubai Newsroom; Edit by Toby Chopra)
