Having been heavily restricted by international sanctions, Iran has struggled to source replacements for its ageing fighter fleets in recent times, but recent comments have indicated that the nation is currently plotting a move to buy Sukhoi Su-35SE Flanker-E multi-role fighters from Russia.
These recent comments came on September 4, when Brig Gen Hamid Vahedi – commander-in-chief of the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF) – told Iran’s Borna News Agency that his force is pursuing plans for the procurement of Su-35 multi-role fighters from Russia. He added that Iran had no plans to acquire the Su-30 variant of Russia’s well-established Flanker family. At the end of his interview, Vahedi noted that the General Staff of the Armed Forces will make the final decision for purchasing the aircraft for the IRIAF.
