Iran says Russian Su-35 fighter jets will arrive only after war with U.S. ends — deliveries were promised in 2023

Iranian army spokesperson Brig. Gen. Mohammad Akraminia stated that the country does not anticipate receiving the Russian Su-35 fighter jets it purchased until after the end of the war with the United States and Israel. He explained that preparations for the purchase commenced several years ago, and Iranian pilots have already completed their training.

However, preparations to accept some of the Su-35s were postponed by Iranian authorities due to concerns that ongoing U.S. strikes could potentially destroy them. Akraminia mentioned that the issue of the Su-35 was discussed several years ago, and preparations were made for the pilots' training. He added that Iran intends to continue purchasing advanced combat aircraft abroad, which would grant the country access to advanced technology and better equip its air force post-war.

The exact number of Su-35s Iran has ordered, the specific batch, and the anticipated arrival date remain undisclosed. In January 2023, a member of Iran's parliament had predicted that the Su-35s would arrive at the beginning of the following Iranian year, which started on March 21. In January 2025, Iran's deputy chief of the Armed Forces General Staff confirmed the purchase of Su-35s from Russia, but no specific details were provided about the number of aircraft, their transfer, or any existing deliveries.

In November 2024, Flug Revue reported that the first two Su-35SEs had been handed over to Iran, but there has been no independent confirmation of their arrival in Tehran.