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

Hope the flanker news is true very much needed with decent air to air armaments and radar systems.
 
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Seems 6 have already been imported dissembled. Purportedly based out of Hamadan and Oghab 44. Both Jangavar and Partisan claim credible sources:

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Given the distances involved - any reason why there were delivered disassembled, not just flown over for delivery ?
 
Hypersonic wrote (on another thread, now closed):
There are actually a quite a few radars in Iran such as Ghadir etc which can detect (tracking /locking on is the difficult part )the F-35 which would allow SAMs with active seekers to be used. I will not go into more details here regarding this, please visit the Iranian air defence thread.

The S-400 SAM System radar can detect the F-35 but it can't target it. But can radars of advanced air defense systems like the Russian S-400 Surface to Air Missile (SAM) detect the F-35? 'Sure, they can…they just cannot target it.

 
Given the distances involved - any reason why there were delivered disassembled, not just flown over for delivery ?
Russian manufacturing capacity per Iranian sources. This also fit exceptionally in the assembly startup. I understand the first operational craft will be available around February. Sounds unrealistically fast to me.
 

Iran to produce Su-30 and Su-35 fighter jets following Russia's agreement​


According to the Telegram account Mezuzah on October 25, 2024, reports emerged indicating that Iran had received a license from Russia to domestically produce Su-30 and Su-35 fighter jets. According to these reports, the Iranian Air Force intends to manufacture between 48 and 72 Su-35 fighter jets, while the number of Su-30 jets to be produced has not yet been specified. This information likely stems from agreements made during the BRICS summit held in Kazan, Russia, from October 22 to 24, 2024.
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Iran_to_produce_Su-30_and_Su-35_fighter_jets_following_Russias_agreement_925_001-7cac63f8.jpeg

The Iranian Air Force intends to manufacture between 48 and 72 Su-35 fighter jets, while the number of Su-30 jets to be produced has not yet been specified. (Picture source: Russian social media)

The Su-35 and Su-30 are classified as fourth-generation, multirole supersonic fighter jets. The Su-35 features a radar system capable of detecting targets over long distances and is equipped with various air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles. The Su-30 is a two-seater model designed to conduct a range of missions, including air superiority tasks and strikes on ground and naval targets. The Su-30 also includes in-flight refueling capabilities, along with modern navigation and control systems.

Earlier reports, such as Tasnim in November 2023, confirmed Iran’s acquisition of Russian aircraft, including Mil Mi-28 attack helicopters, Su-35 fighter jets, and Yak-130 training jets. According to Sardar Seyed Mehdi Farhi, Deputy Minister of Defense and Support for the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran, these acquisitions are part of ongoing efforts to enhance Iran’s military aviation capabilities, particularly focusing on helicopter upgrades and improvements to night flying and avionics systems. Farhi also mentioned the work of Iran’s Helicopter Support and Renovation Company (Panha) over the past three decades.

This development aligns with discussions held in January 2023 between Igor Levitin, a special assistant to the Russian president, and Iran’s First Vice President, Mohammed Mokhbar. During this meeting, Levitin expressed Russia’s readiness to pursue joint helicopter production with Iran. Amir Mojtaba Rouhani, CEO of Panha, had previously noted Iran’s regional leadership in helicopter maintenance services.

In June 2023, Iranian Air Force Commander Amir Hamid Vahedi, in an interview about the Su-35, stated, “We need the said Sukhoi jet, but we don’t know when it will arrive.” Vahedi referred to the construction of underground air bases, such as "Oryol 44," designed to protect the country’s fighter jets from potential attacks, including bunker-buster munitions. He indicated that these bases are strategically located to ensure operational safety and readiness. Vahedi also highlighted the modernization of Iran’s fleet of F-4 and F-14 aircraft, focusing on radar upgrades and extending the range of air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles.

Iran’s Air Force currently operates a diverse fleet of fighter jets, including American-made F-14 Tomcats and F-4 Phantoms, as well as Russian-made MiG-29 and Su-24 aircraft. The fleet also includes domestically produced jets like the HESA Saeqeh and Kowsar. The recent acquisitions of Mil Mi-28 helicopters, Su-35 fighter jets, and Yak-130 trainers represent further steps in diversifying Iran’s air capabilities. The first two Yak-130 aircraft were delivered on September 11, 2023, and stationed at Shahid Babaei Air Base in Isfahan, central Iran. These jets are intended to facilitate the training of Iranian pilots in operating advanced Russian-made fighter jets, including the Su-35.

In recent years, Iran has been working toward acquiring Su-35 fighter jets from Russia. Although there have been multiple reports about anticipated deliveries, Iranian officials have denied these claims. In April 2024, Tehran refuted reports that 12 Su-35 jets would be delivered imminently, which had been circulated in Iranian media and later retracted by the country’s Student News Network (SNN). Similar expectations were reported earlier in January 2023, indicating that the jets would arrive by March, yet the deliveries were postponed.

Despite these delays, confidence in the eventual delivery of Su-35 fighter jets remains strong, bolstered by Iran’s successful procurement of Yak-130 trainers and Mil Mi-28 helicopters in November 2023. The Su-35’s specifications include enhanced avionics and radar systems designed for both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. The aircraft has a maximum speed of Mach 2.25 and an operational range of 3,600 kilometers, featuring an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar that allows for tracking multiple targets.

As part of these efforts, the Yak-130 trainer has been integrated into the fleet alongside the planned acquisition of Su-35 fighter jets. These additions represent a significant step in Iran’s strategy to upgrade its air capabilities amid ongoing scrutiny and increasing attention to its defense partnerships with Russia. The United States has expressed concerns over the expanding cooperation between the two countries, particularly within the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Iran, however, has denied supplying weapons to Russia for use in the conflict. Regardless of these accusations, the growing defense cooperation between Russia and Iran is shaping regional military dynamics.
 

Not Just Su-35 Aircraft, russia Also Gave iran the License to Manufacture Them Locally​

Defense Express
Defense Express
[email protected]
October 25, 2024
2545 0
Su-35 production in russia / Open-source archive photo
Su-35 production in russia / Open-source archive photo

Tehran will be able to assemble this fighter domestically out of pre-made parts, with the potential to grow its Su-35 fleet to a hundred units within a short term​

Many experts believe that the main form of payment for the continuous flow of drones and ammunition from iran into russia is the 24 Su-35 fighter jets that the Kremlin began delivering in April 2023. However, this was not enough, or iran’s aid has grown to the extent that Tehran has now also received a license to manufacture this type of aircraft.

Reporting on the new agreement between the two partner countries, media outlets in russia and iran note that this form of cooperation opens the door for production of 48 to 72 fighters on iranian territory. This includes not only the Su-35 but the simpler two-seater Su-30 as well, both derived from the Soviet Su-27.


Su-30 in versions with forewings and without them / Defense Express / Not Just Su-35 Aircraft, russia Also Gave iran the License to Manufacture Them Locally
Su-30 in versions with forewings and without them / Open-source illustrative photo
Based on russia’s previous practices for licensing Su-30 production, this likely means local assembly of aircraft from pre-made subsystems and parts. In practical terms, this will allow iran to not just update its current air force but also quickly raise its air capabilities to a whole new level.

Even the initial 24 ready-to-go Su-35s have already altered the balance in iran’s favor. Especially so because these aircraft were transferred on such short notice, as they had already been manufactured by the time of the agreement, just gathering dust in storage. Originally intended for Egypt, the aircraft remained unsold after Cairo backed out of a $2 billion deal with Moscow, wary of U.S. sanctions for purchasing russian weapons.


Metaphorically, iran’s current air force is something between an antique shop and a zoo. Many different aircraft blend in there: remnants of American supplies before the Islamic Revolution, Chinese imports, and Soviet planes that Iraqi pilots brought in 1991.

How many of the declaratively available 68 F-4 Phantoms, 43 F-14 Tomcats, 24 Chengdu J-7s (Chinese copy of MiG-21), 35 MiG-29s and other aircraft are de facto still capable of taking part in combat missions is a huge question.

Su-35 fighter jet / Defense Express / Not Just Su-35 Aircraft, russia Also Gave iran the License to Manufacture Them Locally
Su-35 fighter jet / Open-source illustrative photo
The agreement with russia offers Tehran the potential to acquire nearly 100 Su-35s, effectively doubling its fleet with combat-ready and uniform aircraft, which in turn simplifies maintenance in the long term. This could substantially shift the regional balance of power.

Not to mention, russia has committed to enhancing iran’s ground-based air defense. In August 2024, media reports indicated that Moscow delivered S-400 air defense missile systems to protect iranian nuclear sites. Furthermore, iran has also confirmed receiving Mi-28 attack helicopters and Yak-130 light combat/trainer aircraft from russia.

 

Not Just Su-35 Aircraft, russia Also Gave iran the License to Manufacture Them Locally​

Defense Express
Defense Express
[email protected]
October 25, 2024
2545 0
Su-35 production in russia / Open-source archive photo
Su-35 production in russia / Open-source archive photo

Tehran will be able to assemble this fighter domestically out of pre-made parts, with the potential to grow its Su-35 fleet to a hundred units within a short term​

Many experts believe that the main form of payment for the continuous flow of drones and ammunition from iran into russia is the 24 Su-35 fighter jets that the Kremlin began delivering in April 2023. However, this was not enough, or iran’s aid has grown to the extent that Tehran has now also received a license to manufacture this type of aircraft.

Reporting on the new agreement between the two partner countries, media outlets in russia and iran note that this form of cooperation opens the door for production of 48 to 72 fighters on iranian territory. This includes not only the Su-35 but the simpler two-seater Su-30 as well, both derived from the Soviet Su-27.



Su-30 in versions with forewings and without them / Defense Express / Not Just Su-35 Aircraft, russia Also Gave iran the License to Manufacture Them Locally
Su-30 in versions with forewings and without them / Open-source illustrative photo
Based on russia’s previous practices for licensing Su-30 production, this likely means local assembly of aircraft from pre-made subsystems and parts. In practical terms, this will allow iran to not just update its current air force but also quickly raise its air capabilities to a whole new level.

Even the initial 24 ready-to-go Su-35s have already altered the balance in iran’s favor. Especially so because these aircraft were transferred on such short notice, as they had already been manufactured by the time of the agreement, just gathering dust in storage. Originally intended for Egypt, the aircraft remained unsold after Cairo backed out of a $2 billion deal with Moscow, wary of U.S. sanctions for purchasing russian weapons.


Metaphorically, iran’s current air force is something between an antique shop and a zoo. Many different aircraft blend in there: remnants of American supplies before the Islamic Revolution, Chinese imports, and Soviet planes that Iraqi pilots brought in 1991.

How many of the declaratively available 68 F-4 Phantoms, 43 F-14 Tomcats, 24 Chengdu J-7s (Chinese copy of MiG-21), 35 MiG-29s and other aircraft are de facto still capable of taking part in combat missions is a huge question.

Su-35 fighter jet / Defense Express / Not Just Su-35 Aircraft, russia Also Gave iran the License to Manufacture Them Locally
Su-35 fighter jet / Open-source illustrative photo
The agreement with russia offers Tehran the potential to acquire nearly 100 Su-35s, effectively doubling its fleet with combat-ready and uniform aircraft, which in turn simplifies maintenance in the long term. This could substantially shift the regional balance of power.

Not to mention, russia has committed to enhancing iran’s ground-based air defense. In August 2024, media reports indicated that Moscow delivered S-400 air defense missile systems to protect iranian nuclear sites. Furthermore, iran has also confirmed receiving Mi-28 attack helicopters and Yak-130 light combat/trainer aircraft from russia.
Question is if the production line has already been adapted at HESA or wherever these are to be assembled.
 
Question is if the production line has already been adapted at HESA or wherever these are to be assembled.
Right now all on different military forums. But, doubt they will setup one or two plants, Will be many small units scattered around the country.
 
There was reports before that the Russians were finding it difficult to make their SU57 due to some needed foreign components, I wonder if they have any dependency with the SU30/35 as well.
 
Prior to heavy sanctions imposed on our country, Iran had almost 20 billion dollars forzen in Russian banks.

The payment is not an issue, since Iran can use its frozen assets in Russia.

We had 30 billion Euro in Europe and almost 50 billion dollar in Chinese banks.
 
There was reports before that the Russians were finding it difficult to make their SU57 due to some needed foreign components, I wonder if they have any dependency with the SU30/35 as well.
Mostly electronic parts. Russia has solved that problem. Now they have a complete local supply chain for their aircraft industry and some parts imported from China.
 

Not Just Su-35 Aircraft, russia Also Gave iran the License to Manufacture Them Locally​

Defense Express
Defense Express
[email protected]
October 25, 2024
2545 0
Su-35 production in russia / Open-source archive photo
Su-35 production in russia / Open-source archive photo

Tehran will be able to assemble this fighter domestically out of pre-made parts, with the potential to grow its Su-35 fleet to a hundred units within a short term​

Many experts believe that the main form of payment for the continuous flow of drones and ammunition from iran into russia is the 24 Su-35 fighter jets that the Kremlin began delivering in April 2023. However, this was not enough, or iran’s aid has grown to the extent that Tehran has now also received a license to manufacture this type of aircraft.

Reporting on the new agreement between the two partner countries, media outlets in russia and iran note that this form of cooperation opens the door for production of 48 to 72 fighters on iranian territory. This includes not only the Su-35 but the simpler two-seater Su-30 as well, both derived from the Soviet Su-27.



Su-30 in versions with forewings and without them / Defense Express / Not Just Su-35 Aircraft, russia Also Gave iran the License to Manufacture Them Locally
Su-30 in versions with forewings and without them / Open-source illustrative photo
Based on russia’s previous practices for licensing Su-30 production, this likely means local assembly of aircraft from pre-made subsystems and parts. In practical terms, this will allow iran to not just update its current air force but also quickly raise its air capabilities to a whole new level.

Even the initial 24 ready-to-go Su-35s have already altered the balance in iran’s favor. Especially so because these aircraft were transferred on such short notice, as they had already been manufactured by the time of the agreement, just gathering dust in storage. Originally intended for Egypt, the aircraft remained unsold after Cairo backed out of a $2 billion deal with Moscow, wary of U.S. sanctions for purchasing russian weapons.


Metaphorically, iran’s current air force is something between an antique shop and a zoo. Many different aircraft blend in there: remnants of American supplies before the Islamic Revolution, Chinese imports, and Soviet planes that Iraqi pilots brought in 1991.

How many of the declaratively available 68 F-4 Phantoms, 43 F-14 Tomcats, 24 Chengdu J-7s (Chinese copy of MiG-21), 35 MiG-29s and other aircraft are de facto still capable of taking part in combat missions is a huge question.

Su-35 fighter jet / Defense Express / Not Just Su-35 Aircraft, russia Also Gave iran the License to Manufacture Them Locally
Su-35 fighter jet / Open-source illustrative photo
The agreement with russia offers Tehran the potential to acquire nearly 100 Su-35s, effectively doubling its fleet with combat-ready and uniform aircraft, which in turn simplifies maintenance in the long term. This could substantially shift the regional balance of power.

Not to mention, russia has committed to enhancing iran’s ground-based air defense. In August 2024, media reports indicated that Moscow delivered S-400 air defense missile systems to protect iranian nuclear sites. Furthermore, iran has also confirmed receiving Mi-28 attack helicopters and Yak-130 light combat/trainer aircraft from russia.
This is definitely a historic moment. Through Israel's attack, I personally believe that the air force is Iran's most indispensable and weak link that urgently needs to be strengthened
 
This is definitely a historic moment. Through Israel's attack, I personally believe that the air force is Iran's most indispensable and weak link that urgently needs to be strengthened

Israeli attack was a huge boost for the pro-air force crowd within decision making circles of Iran.

IRGC has tried to say it would be a waste of funds for years and that missiles and other strategic weapons would be enough. However, the Israeli attack showed that Iran at the minimum needs to have an interceptor force to keep the skies of Iran relatively clear.

F-14’s, F-5’s, and a mismatch of Chinese and old Russian fighters cannot be relied on to do the job.


Again I’m waiting for the first pictures of SU-35’s in Iran. We have been down this media circus road before where everyone claimed we were getting fighters that never ended up materializing.
 

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