Iran to receive Russian Su-35 fighter jets after US-Iran war ends, IRGC spokesman says - report

While the IRGC spokesperson did not specifically name Russia in the interview, it is the only established manufacturer of Su-35s.

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Russian Sukhoi Su-35 jet fighters fire missiles during the Aviadarts competition, as part of the International Army Games 2021, at the Dubrovichi range outside Ryazan, Russia August 27, 2021.(photo credit: MAXIM SHEMETOV/REUTERS)ByJERUSALEM POST STAFFNOVEMBER 1, 2026 12:14

Iran will reportedly receive Russian-made Su-35 fighter jets after the US-Iran war ends, Revolutionary Guards spokesman General Mohammad Akraminia told Iranian media on Sunday.

Akraminia claimed that before the war began at the end of February, the IRGC was in the final stages of procuring the fighter jets. He told the Persian-language outlet Tabnak that the Su-35s were meant to arrive before the war.

Akramina did not elaborate as to why they were not delivered before the fighting began.

“We had already completed the necessary preliminary work, including the procurement process and the signing of contracts. The necessary work concerning pilot training and instruction had also been completed, and there were no longer any problems in that regard,” he said.

“In fact, these aircraft were supposed to arrive before the war. God willing, we will certainly receive them after the war and upgrade our air fleet.”

Iran claims it plans to strengthen air defenses after war with US

Akraminia added that the IRGC plans to roll out more advanced aircraft, including the Su-35.

“We have also made progress domestically. Of course, purchasing equipment from abroad will bring us closer to advanced technologies, which we can then use as a foundation for further development,” he added.

While he did not specifically name Russia in the interview, it is the only established manufacturer of Su-35s. The fighter jet is Russian-designed and produced by Sukhoi, part of Russia's United Aircraft Corporation.

However, Russia allows other countries, including Iran, to operate the fighter jets.

Akraminia added that Iran is working to develop ground-based and airborne radar systems, as well as satellites to strengthen the country’s air defenses.

“When you operate an advanced aircraft such as the Su-35, you must also have ground-based systems, airborne systems, and satellite capabilities supporting it. Only then can the aircraft reach its full operational potential,” he added.

Akraminia noted that the US sanctions against Iran have made it difficult to rebuild the country’s military.

“Sometimes sanctions affect trade, goods, oil, and similar areas. But they also affect defense and military technologies,” he said.

“The Americans have absolutely refused to allow these new technologies to enter our country. They have imposed very severe sanctions.

“Everything we have achieved, all  the capabilities you mentioned, has been developed domestically through the efforts of our own specialists and young people working in the country's defense industries, universities, and knowledge-based companies.”

He then claimed that during both wars with the US, Iran “did not use a single foreign-produced weapon.”

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