A few days after Russia and Iran agreed to increase military cooperation during a visit of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to Russia, and amid the concerns of the West over the growing defence ties between the two countries, Tehran confirmed the purchase of Su-35 fighter jets from Russia.
General Ali Shadmani, Deputy Chief of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters of the Iranian Armed Forces, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, said without specifying the number of the Russian fighter jets added to the fleet, "The Su-35 fighters have been purchased…Any time that we have the need, we will purchase military equipment for strengthening our Air Force, Army and Navy."
It is not yet clear if the highly advanced air superiority fighter, developed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau, has already been delivered by Russia.
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In what appears to be a warning to Israel, he said, "If the enemy acts foolishly, it will taste the bitter taste of being hit by our missiles, and none of its interests in the occupied territories will remain safe."
Media reports had earlier said that in November, the Iranian Air Force received the first two Su-35SE fighter jets under the programme of replacing the fleet of US-made F-14 Tomcat jets.
On January 17, Iran and Russia signed a 20-year "strategic partnership" treaty that covers a wide range of sectors, including trade and defence.
Under the treaty, both countries have agreed to consult and cooperate to deal with military and security threats apart from taking part in joint military drills.
