Iran Anticipates russian Su-35 Fighters After Supplying russia with Hundreds of Short-Range Ballistic Missiles
This is stated in the report of the Institute for the Study of War (ISW)
“russia is expected to use Iranian-supplied ballistic missiles to target Ukrainian energy, military, and civilian infrastructure throughout the fall and winter. This strategy aims to further destabilize Ukrainian society and disrupt Ukraine’s defense industrial base,” the analysts noted.
The ISW also highlighted that the transfer of Iranian ballistic missiles underscores the deepening strategic partnership between Iran and russia.
The Institute for the Study of War has consistently reported on the growing economic, media, military, and political cooperation between Moscow and Tehran since the onset of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Analysts believe Iran aims to gain both economically and militarily from strengthening its partnership with russia. Tehran, seeking to bolster its weakened economy, has turned to arm sales to the Kremlin and is trying to acquire russian Su-35 fighter jets (NATO reporting name: Flanker-E). Iranian officials pressed russia to provide Su-35s during a meeting with russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu in Tehran in August 2024.
“The acquisition of Su-35s would enhance Iran’s ability to project air power more effectively and independently, given the outdated and poorly maintained state of its current air fleet. Additionally, Iranian leaders have sought russian assistance in upgrading their cyber capabilities and missile and space programs as part of this expanding military collaboration,” the report concludes.
