Iran may receive multirole, super-maneuverable 4++ generation Su-35 fighter jets with thrust vectoring from Russia. This is according to the Military Watch Magazine, citing a statement from a general in the IRGC about placing a corresponding order.
Since 2022, it has been reported that Iranian pilots are undergoing training in Russia, and satellite images have confirmed that Iranian bases have long been ready to accommodate the aircraft. The prompt delivery of the Su-35 could significantly alter the balance of power in the region.
According to the publication, the new Su-35s could make up about 10% of the Iranian Air Force fleet. However, Russian fighters are more effective than the American F-15s and F-16s in service with the Israeli Air Force.
The Israeli Air Force's F-35s have a small payload — only 2 air-to-air missiles. Thus, the Su-35s can be deployed to hunt down American fighters. Even in limited numbers, Russian aircraft are invaluable thanks to their Irbis-E radars.
If the Su-35s are equipped with R-37 missiles, which far outperform those in the Israeli arsenal, they will pose a serious threat to tankers and AWACS.
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