Iran to Receive Advanced Su-35 Fighter Jet from Russia

This post is also available in: עברית (Hebrew)

Sources report that Iran is meant to receive its first Su-35 Flanker fighter jets from Russia in the next few weeks or even days. The timing of this delivery is significant in light of the recent escalating tensions between Iran and Israel. Forbes reports that Iran will most likely receive delivery of at least 24 fighter jets.

According to Interesting Engineering, the Su-35 Flanker is an advanced capability multirole air superiority fighter that is designed to engage threats in the air and on the ground and counteract naval surface forces. It can destroy ground infrastructure objects that are protected by Air Defense Missile Systems and are located far from the aircraft’s home airfield.

The first version of the Su-35 was unveiled in Moscow in 2007 and entered serial production for the Russian Air Force in 2010. It is resistant to jamming thanks to its two VHF/UHF encrypted radio communications systems, and can control aviation group actions in the air due to its advanced onboard radar control system, optical locating system, and onboard self-defense complex.

It has a length of 21.9 meters, a wingspan of 15.3 meters and can carry a maximum payload of 8,000 kg. The jet’s maximum speed is around 2,390 kph, its maximum take-off weight is 34,500 kg and can reach altitudes of up to 18,000 meters.

When it comes to warning systems and weapons, the Su-35 is equipped with a radar warning system, missile approach warner, laser warner, and flare dispenser.  It can be armed with air-to-air missiles, air-to-surface missiles, anti-radiation missiles, and anti-ship missiles.

It can also be refueled in mid-air, and its total fuel capacity is 14,350 liters with its additional tailfin and fin-root tanks, which are made of aluminum lithium construction and are located in the wings, fuselage, and square-tip twin tailfins.