Iran has purchased Russian Su-35 fighter jets and completed pilot training before the outbreak of hostilities, Brigadier General Mohammad Akraminia, a representative of the Iranian Armed Forces, told the news portal Tabnak. He confirmed that plans to introduce the aircraft into Iran’s military fleet have already been approved.

According to Akraminia, Russian military technology will play an important role in strengthening Iran’s armed forces and advancing the country’s technological independence. He emphasized that cooperation with Tehran’s allies would provide a foundation for improving its military capabilities.

The brigadier general said Iran expects to receive the Russian fighter jets after its military conflict with the United States ends. He expressed confidence that the acquisition would significantly enhance the combat capabilities of the Iranian Air Force once hostilities conclude.

Tehran reportedly received its first batch of Su-35 fighters in January 2025, shortly before the US-Israeli military operation began. The number of aircraft delivered was not disclosed. However, the German aviation publication Flug Revue previously reported that Iran had ordered a total of 50 Russian fighters.

Separately, Military Watch Magazine reported on March 4 that US and Israeli military officials had taken notice of Iran’s use of Russian Yak-130 trainer-combat aircraft. According to the publication, these jets can engage targets beyond visual range and launch weapons at extreme angles without having to point the aircraft’s nose directly toward the target.