The Iranian state news agency SNN has reported that Iran will receive the first delivery of advanced Sukhoi 35 fighter jets from Russia as early as next week. The report states that Iran is expected to receive 24 aircraft, which are considered to be generation 4.5, a significant upgrade from their current outdated air force, which includes aircraft such as the Phantom and American F-14, F-5, and F-4 planes, as well as MiG 29 aircraft.
While the F-35s are more advanced than the Sukhoi 35s, this Russian supply will change the current balance of air power in the region. Israel may still remain more advanced, but once Iran operates the Sukhoi 35 jets, the technological gap will be significantly reduced. The recent attack attributed to Israel in the Isfahan area also reportedly targeted a Russian S-300 air defense battery, which is part of the defense system for the Natanz nuclear facility.
There have been reports that Russia is expected to supply Iran with advanced S-400 air defense batteries in the near future. This development raises concerns about the growing military cooperation between Iran and Russia and the potential implications for Israel. Given that Iran has been a main supplier of UAVs for the war in Ukraine, these new developments are closely monitored by international observers and analysts.