Iran’s deputy defense minister informed Iran’s Tasnim news agency on Tuesday that Iran has completed arrangements for the receipt of Russian-manufactured Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets and helicopters, marking a strengthening of military ties between Tehran and Moscow.

Iran’s air force currently possesses a limited number of strike aircraft, comprising Russian jets and older models from the United States obtained before the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
“Plans have been finalized for Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets, Mil Mi-28 attack helicopters, and Yak-130 jet trainers to join the combat units of Iran’s Army,” Iran’s deputy Defense Minister Mehdi Farahi said.

The Tasnim report did not include any Russian confirmation of the deal.

In 2018, Iran said it had started production of the locally-designed Kowsar fighter for use in its air force. Military experts believe the jet is a carbon copy of the F-5, first produced in the United States in the 1960s.