IRANIAN PILOTS COMPLETE SU-35 TRAINING AS FIGHTER JET DELIVERIES MOVE CLOSER
Iranian pilots and ground technicians have reportedly completed major phases of training to operate and maintain Russia’s advanced Su-35 fighter jets, as preparations continue for the eventual delivery of the aircraft.
Sources familiar with the program say an initial group of approximately 40 to 48 Iranian aircrew members completed training in Russia as early as 2024. Training reportedly continued inside Iran using Yak-130 trainer aircraft before progressing to full-mission Su-35 simulator training.
Russia is reportedly believed to have already produced around 20 Su-35 fighters intended for Iran, although the aircraft remain in Russia pending the completion of infrastructure upgrades at Hamadan Air Base.
Iran is reportedly expected to receive a total of 48 Su-35 fighter jets, alongside 12 Su-30SM multirole fighters. The Su-30SM deliveries are reportedly expected to begin around mid-2027, with simulators potentially arriving earlier to support pilot training.
According to the reports, the main obstacle to delivery is now infrastructure rather than personnel training. Iran is said to be constructing hardened aircraft shelters and upgraded hangars at Hamadan Air Base to protect and support the new generation of Russian-built fighters.
The Su-35, a 4++ generation multirole fighter equipped with the powerful Irbis-E radar, long-range capabilities and modern air-to-air weapon systems, could significantly strengthen Iran’s aging air force.
The new fighters could eventually supplement or replace older aircraft still in Iranian service, including the F-14 Tomcat, MiG-29 and F-4 Phantom.
✈️ If the reported deliveries proceed, the Su-35 acquisition would represent one of the most significant upgrades to Iran’s air force in decades.