Iran Receives Russian MiG-29 Jets, Anticipates More Advanced Systems, Says Lawmaker

Russian MiG-29 fighter jets have arrived in Iran as part of a short-term plan to strengthen its air force, with more advanced Sukhoi Su-35 aircraft expected to arrive gradually, an Iranian lawmaker confirmed on Tuesday.

Abolfazl Zohrevand, a member of parliament’s national security committee, told domestic media that the delivery of MiG-29s was intended as an interim measure while Tehran awaits the arrival of Su-35s “as a long-term solution,” The Caspian Post reports citing Iranian media.

“Russian MiG-29 fighter jets have arrived in Iran and are stationed in Shiraz, while Sukhoi Su-35 jets are also on the way,” he said.

He also said that China’s HQ-9 air defense system and Russia’s S-400 system were being supplied to Iran “in significant numbers.”

Neither Moscow nor Beijing has confirmed the reported deliveries.

Iran has long sought to modernize its aging air force, which relies heavily on US-made jets purchased before the 1979 revolution and a small number of Russian and locally upgraded aircraft.

State media reported in January that the first Sukhoi Su-35s were formally handed over to Iran, but officials have not clarified how many are operational.

Western analysts say Iran’s request for 50 aircraftremains only partly fulfilled, with deliveries slowed by Russia’s own needs in Ukraine.

Tehran also faces vulnerability in air defenses after Israeli strikes earlier this year destroyed its last Russian-provided S-300 systems. Iran had acquired the four S-300 battalions from Russia in 2016.