Iran can receive Russian Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets and defence systems by March
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Alaina
- . January 16, 2023
- . Update: January 16, 2023 9:19 pm
The Islamic Republic of Iran is set to receive a number of Russian Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets and defence systems by March, showcasing closer ties between the two countries.
As part of a military order, Iran will receive fighter jets, defence systems, missiles and helicopters. According to the semi-official Tasnim news agency, 35 fighter jets will arrive in Iran at the beginning of next year, citing the Persian calendar’s year starting March 21.
Shahriar Heydari, a member of the Islamic Republic’s parliamentary commission for national security and foreign policy, confirmed that Iran would get jets and defence systems at the beginning of next year. He did not reveal how many aircraft Iran ordered. The Iranian calendar year begins about 21 March of each Gregorian year.
According to Western countries, Iran and Russia developed closer ties in recent months. According to world powers, since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Iran has given Russia military drones to use in its war against Ukraine. The US (United States) and European Union (EU) also imposed sanctions on Iran for supplying weapons to Russia. EU’s foreign policy chief Josep Borrell urged Iran to immediately stop providing military support to Russia.
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The US, UK and EU also sanctioned top Iranian military figures and defence manufacturers. However, Iran has repeatedly denied all the allegations. Iran said it supplied weapons to Russia before its invasion of Ukraine. Russia also denied using Iranian drones or weapons in its war against Ukraine.
Last month, Britain’s defence secretary, Ben Wallace, said that Russia planned to expand military links with Iran in return for drones. He said that Russia would receive more than 300 kamikaze drones. He also said that the deal between the two countries could undermine the security of the Middle East region.
Earlier, Ukraine also said that Russia attacked Ukrainian infrastructure with dozens of “kamikaze” drones, which were supplied by Iran.
