A leaked document regarding KRET equipment for Russian fighter jets to be exported revealed that Iran will receive 48 Su-35 fighters to modernise its fleet.
The leaked document was shared on social media platforms, which provides information on the amount of the state-owned KRET’s RF equipment.
The current fighter fleet of Iran consists of old models like F-5 or F-4, modified F-14s with logistical issues, and only a handful of MiG-29 fighters. During the Iran-Israel Conflict of 2025, the big gap in a fighter fleet to hold up against a modern fighter fleet was clearly seen.
Su-35 is an evolution of the Su-27 multirole fighter jet, drawing from both existing Su-27 derivatives for export and separate developments. The single-seat fighter in baseline configuration is fitted with the 3D thrust-vectoring AL-41F1S turbofan engines, giving a mild supercruise capability similar to other 4.5-generation fighters. In addition to a more capable engine, Su-35 adopts the Irbis-E PESA radar, which is rated at 400 km range for targets with an RCS of 3m2.
Keeping the spirit of Su-27, Su-35 can carry a variety of air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles. The air-to-air missile portfolio has been extended to include long-range missiles like R-37 as well, which is regarded as a danger to large RCS aircraft like tankers or AEW&C rather than fighters, coupled with the rating of Irbis-E radar.
Considering the current state of Iran’s fighter fleet, especially after the conflict, the Su-35s might provide at least a more reliable ground to stand on compared to what is at hand. However, it is no secret that a modern fighter fleet is more than the fighters when in battle, as support from AEW&C, electronic warfare can not be ignored. How much the Su-35 can respond to these secondary factors remains to be seen.
Author: Kaan Azman
Editor:Özgür Ekşi
