In the wake of the recent Israel-Hamas ceasefire, Iran has confirmed the purchase of Russian-made Sukhoi-35 fighter jets, a move that highlights Tehran's ongoing efforts to modernize its military forces. A senior official from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed that the acquisition is part of a broader strategy to enhance Iran’s military capabilities across all branches, including air, land, and naval forces. This purchase is seen as a significant step in strengthening Iran’s air defense, which has long relied on a mix of aging U.S. and Russian aircraft.

The IRGC official explained that these advanced fighter jets would replace outdated equipment and serve to bolster Iran’s overall defense posture. By acquiring the Sukhoi-35, Iran is signaling its intent to develop a more sophisticated and capable military in the face of growing geopolitical tensions, particularly with Western nations and regional rivals. The official further stressed that the country regularly makes military purchases when necessary to ensure its defense forces remain strong and up-to-date with modern technological advancements.

This confirmation of the Sukhoi-35 purchase comes amid increased military cooperation between Iran and Russia, with both countries recently signing a comprehensive 20-year strategic partnership. While the partnership agreement does not explicitly mention arms transfers, it emphasizes the development of "military-technical cooperation," reflecting the deepening ties between the two nations.

The deal comes at a time when both Iran and Russia are facing mounting external pressures—Russia due to its ongoing war in Ukraine, and Iran dealing with international sanctions and regional instability. The purchase of these advanced fighter jets is expected to significantly strengthen Iran's air force and could have wider implications for the balance of power in the Middle East. As of now, further details regarding the specific timeline for the delivery and operational deployment of the Sukhoi-35 jets remain unclear, but the acquisition underscores Iran's commitment to modernizing its military in the face of evolving threats.

Iran Issues Warning to Israel After Buying Russian Fighter Jets

Iran has issued a warning to Israel following its purchase of Russian-made Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets, stressing that any "foolish" actions by Israel would result in severe consequences. Ali Shadmani, deputy coordinator of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps' (IRGC) Khatam-al-Anbia central headquarters, stated that the new acquisition strengthens Iran’s military capabilities, enhancing its air, land, and naval forces. He also alluded to the possibility of Iran responding with missile strikes if Israel were to act against its interests, specifically targeting its occupied territories.

The purchase of the Sukhoi Su-35 jets marks a significant development in Iran's defense strategy and highlights the growing political and military ties between Iran and Russia. This deal follows the signing of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership treaty between the two nations, which focuses on enhancing military-technical cooperation, although it does not explicitly mention arms exchanges. Iran had originally announced its intent to acquire the jets in 2022 and confirmed the final arrangements in 2023, although details regarding the exact number of jets purchased and their delivery status have not been disclosed.

The warning to Israel comes at a time of heightened tensions between Tehran and Jerusalem, particularly with Iran’s concerns over potential attacks on its nuclear facilities. This purchase of advanced military equipment underscores Iran’s desire to bolster its defense capabilities amidst regional rivalries, particularly with Israel, and the broader geopolitical pressures it faces.

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