Fourth-generation MiG-29 fighters in service with the Iranian Air Force have become one of the key tools for controlling the country\'s airspace. These multirole aircraft provide interception capabilities and can strike ground and naval targets in the Middle Eastern region.
In September 2025, combat aircraft arrived in the republic and were deployed at the strategically important air base in Shiraz. Iranian authorities called the aircraft a "short-term solution" to strengthen the Air Force while negotiations continue on deliveries of the latest Su-35 series aircraft.
"Pervyi Tekhnicheskii" looked back at what other Russian weapons are currently in service with Iran — from Soviet T-72 tanks to modern air defense systems.
T-72 — armored vehicles from the USSR
One of the most numerous categories of domestic weaponry in Iran\'s ground forces remains the T-72 tank, mainly of Soviet production.
The main deliveries of these vehicles to Iran took place in the 1990s, when Tehran received hundreds of main battle tanks of various modifications. Despite their age, they remain in service to this day under the control of Iranian driver-mechanics.
S-300 air defense — surface-to-air missile systems
One of the key Russian deliveries for Iran\'s air defense system was the S-300 surface-to-air missile system. These systems are designed to protect airspace from aircraft and are among the few Russian air defense assets that remain on combat duty in Iran. Deliveries of the S-300 were completed in the mid-2010s, and they have long been part of the country\'s defense architecture.
After entering service, the S-300 systems were deployed in areas around strategically important facilities — around Tehran, nuclear centers, and major military bases. The systems are capable of detecting and tracking dozens of targets simultaneously, including combat aircraft, cruise missiles, and drones.
In addition to the S-300, Iran is negotiating deliveries of more advanced Russian air defense systems, including the S-400 "Triumf".
Mi-8 and Mi-17 helicopters — mobile support for the army
Helicopters of the Mi-8, Mi-17, and Mi-28 families remain among the most sought-after Russian aircraft in the Iranian armed forces. These helicopters are used to transfer personnel, deliver cargo, evacuate the wounded, and support units in hard-to-reach areas.
Thanks to their high reliability and ease of maintenance, these rotorcraft are actively used both in the regular army and in the structures of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Under sanctions, Iran has established its own repair capabilities and partial modernization for these aircraft, extending their service life.
Su-35 and more modern aircraft
A number of sources indicate that Iran ordered more advanced Su-35 fighters from Russia, and several dozen of these aircraft were discussed in negotiations back in 2023.
Although official deliveries of these aircraft are progressing slowly and in stages, their appearance in Iran is apparently viewed as a strategic goal for strengthening the Air Force\'s combat power. Nevertheless, Tehran continues to regard Russian aviation as the foundation for renewing its Air Force.
Read more on the topic:
- Three An-124 "Ruslan" military transport aircraft delivered unknown cargoes to Iran
- Iran began tests of the modernized An-140 Simorgh aircraft
- Iran reimagined the Yak-130 and equipped the aircraft with an "air-to-air" missile system
