Iranian Air Force (IRIAF/IRGC-ASF) | News and Discussions

[Cancerous Tumor]

China has decades of experience in large scale production of airframes (in thousands which is crazy). Even today they have production capability of 200-400 per year of their latest models.

If we assume their domestic capability up to J-7/MiG-21 at that crazy production numbers on top of their ground force plus rocket force and ... capacity they still would be untouchable.

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We lack both large scale production capability/experience and knowledge required for challenges ahead.

Right now, we are at a point where I believe even the large-scale production of older models like the MiG29(with some domestic modifications)would be highly beneficial. Therefore, even if Russia has its own priorities regarding newer models like the Su-30 and Su-35, getting a license for the full production of an older model like the MiG-29 would significantly boost Iran's position as well.

 

[Abdul q]

Any update on VERIFIED info about platforms delivered to Iran especially jets??

 

[Deino]

No! It's not me, far from it. He's much more competent than I am in the field of aviation and much more organized. I like to pass on these messages because it's essential to get answers from people who are far more knowledgeable. This is a real problem here, and he agrees with me. He replied earlier today; here is his response :


Haha Emirzad, calm down, yaar, you're going to give us all a heart attack with your theories!

No, I'm not "Mr. Iran Eye" pretending to be a ghost. I'm Reza, who worked at HESA (2009-2017). I now work in the private sector in Tehran, but I'm still in three or four Telegram groups with colleagues who are still involved with IRIAF/HESA. That's all. Iran Eye just asked me to pass on what I told him last night, because I almost never go on the forums (too much noise, not enough solid sources).

So there you have it, this is Reza speaking directly to you now.

Regarding the Kowsar:

The first three delivered in 2020 → 3-7400, 3-7164, 3-7180 (official photos, everyone has them).

The fourth (no visible number in public photos) → rolled off the assembly line in late 2021, used for integration testing of the new avionics package (internally known as "Block 10").

The fifth → seen in March 2023 at TFB.7 (Tabriz), painted light gray, number partially obscured but confirmed by two friends who still work there.

Two more (the 6th and 7th) are in final assembly this year, destined for the two-seat Kowsar-88 version; the engine parts come from cannibalized old F-5s and upgraded Owjs.

So no, it's not "just 3 or 5 and that's it." It's slow, it's discreet, but the production line is still moving. If tomorrow you see 20 Kowsars in official photos, you'll be the first to be surprised, but we already know they're arriving little by little.

So Emirzad, now that you know who I am (Reza, not a bot, not Iran Eye), do you want to keep digging or are you going to say I'm a fake again?

And this group? Not secret at all, just restricted to enthusiasts – Iranians, ex-pilots, engineers who work in the civilian sector but keep an eye on the IRIAF. We speak freely, without Western censorship, and yeah, there are scoops that don't make it onto Wikipedia or Jane's.

Well, the point is, you are still bragging about an aircraft that has its ancestor first flown in 1972 aka 53 years ago and try to portray it as something that has some mystical, all-mighty capabilities and could be effective in modern aerial warfare!

It is maybe a nice achievement by HESA, but seen from a technological and military standpoint it is irrelevant, a joke! Nothing more ... So even 20 Kowsars don't change anything!

Kowsar

 

[ToddE]

Well, the point is, you are still bragging about an aircraft that has its ancestor first flown in 1972 aka 53 years ago and try to portray it as something that has some mystical, all-mighty capabilities and could be effective in modern aerial warfare!

It is maybe a nice achievement by HESA, but seen from a technological and military standpoint it is irrelevant, a joke! Nothing more ... So even 20 Kowsars don't change anything!

Kowsar

Bigger joke is your lack of understanding of aerial warfare I am afraid.

Local F-5 is an AT/lIght CAP, lack of whose existence as a fleet allowed enemy to swarm in hundreds of drones, ALCMs/SOWs into cities. Even if IRIAF starts operating 150 SU-35 in future, this problem wont be solved until light CAP squadrons are raised to work in conjunction with IADS. Air-superiority MRCAs do not do light CAPs, they do not train pilots or fly on volatile borders. Shah run IIAF wanted F-5E/F, F-16A to gaurd borders while F-14A, F-17(TOTed), F-4E/D would take Air-superiority roles.

Also capability wise as an AT or light CAP, the plane rivaled FCK-1 A/B, you are getting fooled by aerodyanmics of F-5. We can compare attribute by attribute.

YAK-130 is must as AT for IRIAF but that does not mean that its local predecessor was lesser tech by any means.

 

[ToddE]

China has decades of experience in large scale production of airframes (in thousands which is crazy). Even today they have production capability of 200-400 per year of their latest models.

If we assume their domestic capability up to J-7/MiG-21 at that crazy production numbers on top of their ground force plus rocket force and ... capacity they still would be untouchable.

---

We lack both large scale production capability/experience and knowledge required for challenges ahead.

Right now, we are at a point where I believe even the large-scale production of older models like the MiG29(with some domestic modifications)would be highly beneficial. Therefore, even if Russia has its own priorities regarding newer models like the Su-30 and Su-35, getting a license for the full production of an older model like the MiG-29 would significantly boost Iran's position as well.

Good point. I have always been in favor of MIG-29/35 centric IRIAF. Even if it means no other platform. Just ~200 MIG-29SMT/M/M2/35 in place of all YAKs, SUs, Shahi relics and we are OK. It wont happen though because Russia has fooled IRI twice over MIG-29 (1991, 2005)

 

[mack8]

Anyone know the name of ECM pod ?

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You mean on the wingtips? It could be the chaff/flares pods, i don't think it's the Talisman since that has a blunter nose, but would be good if we'd have better images/videos.
This is a (newer?) Talisman pod configuration.


This is the configuration shown so far.

 

[ToddE]

You mean on the wingtips? It could be the chaff/flares pods, i don't think it's the Talisman since that has a blunter nose, but would be good if we'd have better images/videos.
This is a (newer?) Talisman pod configuration.
View attachment 163394
View attachment 163396
This is the configuration shown so far.
View attachment 163395

YAK does not use Talisman. Its something else. Can be seen here with YAK-130M. Begs the question, is IRIAF getting YAK-130 AT or YAK-130M the light combat version.

 

[Flotilla]

Well, the point is, you are still bragging about an aircraft that has its ancestor first flown in 1972 aka 53 years ago and try to portray it as something that has some mystical, all-mighty capabilities and could be effective in modern aerial warfare!

It is maybe a nice achievement by HESA, but seen from a technological and military standpoint it is irrelevant, a joke! Nothing more ... So even 20 Kowsars don't change anything!

Kowsar

Well, if you consider Irán is under a medieval siege, for me It is an achievement. And makes Regime and their people really admirable. Neither China nor Russia have this problems. Even Russia have necessary support from Saudí Arabia, Qatar and other countries like Algeria.

 

[mack8]

YAK does not use Talisman. Its something else. Can be seen here with YAK-130M. Begs the question, is IRIAF getting YAK-130 AT or YAK-130M the light combat version.

I'm not quite seeing what you may refer to, i only see the drop tanks?

 

[ToddE]

I'm not quite seeing what you may refer to, i only see the drop tanks?

Good catch, now I am thinking the ECM pod that author of insta post was referring to could very well be fuel tanks. I had never seen YAK-130 with drop tanks before so I went with the author.

Strangely, I have never seen YAK-130 with ECM pods either, despite all its brochures profoundly saying the plane operates them. If someone has anything on it, please post here.

 

[ToddE]

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This is to some extent in line with BT claims that along with 48 SU-35S, IRIAF will get 12 SU-30SM/SM2 as well to be used as dual seat trainers for SU-35S taking the tally to 60 Super flankers overall since SU-30SM is borderline SU-35S itself.

These are his claims overall

60 SU-35S (48) + SU-30SM (12)
24 MIG-29SMT
30 SU-24MK2
36 YAK-130

AL-224 (Saljut) Turbofans TOT

 

[Flotilla]

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This is to some extent in line with BT claims that along with 48 SU-35S, IRIAF will get 12 SU-30SM/SM2 as well to be used as dual seat trainers for SU-35S taking the tally to 60 Super flankers overall since SU-30SM is borderline SU-35S itself.

These are his claims overall

60 SU-35S (48) + SU-30SM (12)
24 MIG-29SMT
30 SU-24MK2
36 YAK-130

AL-224 (Saljut) Turbofans TOT

AFAIK there is no two seat Su35 fighters. Anyway 48 Su35 It is two full Squadrons so very good indeed.

 

[ToddE]

AFAIK there is no two seat Su35 fighters. Anyway 48 Su35 It is two full Squadrons so very good indeed.

SU-30SM is a twin seater, that is presented as the case by the author that IRIAF wants it as trainer for SU-35S. The Russian leaked document did not mention any SU-30SM impending delivery but it does not mention YAKs either yet they continue to come.

If it comes true then the Russian fleet alone will have 6 MIG-29, 12 SU-30SM, 36 YAK as trainers only. A massive total of 54 modern fighter jet trainers. As odd as it sounds, the Israelis have 100+ air-frame strong similar trainer fleet of M-346, F-16, F-15. IRIAF is learning the right ways. Even with the force being choked to death by Ayatollahs they never compromised on pilot training.

 

[mack8]

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This is to some extent in line with BT claims that along with 48 SU-35S, IRIAF will get 12 SU-30SM/SM2 as well to be used as dual seat trainers for SU-35S taking the tally to 60 Super flankers overall since SU-30SM is borderline SU-35S itself.

These are his claims overall

60 SU-35S (48) + SU-30SM (12)
24 MIG-29SMT
30 SU-24MK2
36 YAK-130

AL-224 (Saljut) Turbofans TOT

What does the translation say and what's supposed to be in the images? I don't have an instagram account.

Btw, has the link been posted to the leak apparently showing various items on order for at least 16 Su-35 for IRIAF, which are said to be delivered between 2025-2027?

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[PakAl]

Well, the point is, you are still bragging about an aircraft that has its ancestor first flown in 1972 aka 53 years ago and try to portray it as something that has some mystical, all-mighty capabilities and could be effective in modern aerial warfare!

It is maybe a nice achievement by HESA, but seen from a technological and military standpoint it is irrelevant, a joke! Nothing more ... So even 20 Kowsars don't change anything!

Kowsar

The plane itself is one thing but what about the avionics, jamming, radar, weaponary, engine etc. Its nowhere near 4th generation, its all pre 1980s level at best. I understand Iran is under sanctions but the quality of airforce is not good enough. They need to move in a different direction.