Iranian Army Spokesman: Su-35 Jets Bought, to Be Received After the War

Iran’s Army spokesman says the country has bought Russian Su-35 fighter jets and will receive them after the war. Brig. Gen. Mohammad Akraminia made the remarks in an interview with the Iranian outlets Tabnak and BitRun.

He said the purchase work was finished before the war began. The jets were due to enter service before the conflict, he said.

Neither Tehran nor Moscow has published delivery details. The claim cannot be independently verified, and we found no Russian comment on it.

What Akraminia Said

Tabnak published the interview on Saturday evening, Tehran time. It is part of the joint program “Beh Revayat-e Jang,” hosted by BitRun editor Amin Azad.

Azad asked about critics who say earlier Su-35 arrivals would have changed the war. Akraminia said the jets had been discussed for years. He said preliminary work, including the purchase and contract, was handled through channels outside the Army.

He added that pilot training and other preparations were also done. In the clip, he says the planes were meant to arrive before the war. “After this war, God willing, we will receive these aircraft,” he says, in our translation of the Persian audio.

He said the Army’s air force would then appear with “more power” and more advanced aircraft. Tabnak’s summary also quotes him saying Iran is prepared and trained for war with America.

We found no English transcript. Quotes here are our translation of the Persian audio. “Bought” summarizes his remarks on the concluded purchase.

A Deal Long Reported, Rarely Confirmed

Iran’s Tasnim agency reported in November 2023 that plans were finalized for Su-35s, Mi-28 helicopters and Yak-130 trainers. They were to join Army units. Reuters noted that Russia did not confirm it.

In January 2025, Revolutionary Guards officer Ali Shadmani gave the first official confirmation of a Su-35 purchase. He did not say how many jets Iran bought or whether they had arrived, Reuters reported.

Leaked Russian industry files published in October 2025 reportedly list 48 Su-35s for Iran, worth about €6 billion. Moscow has never confirmed the figure. Our earlier report noted Tehran’s reported frustration over the undelivered jets.

Built but Still in Russia?

Open-source reports say 19 to 20 Su-35s for Iran were finished by July 2026. They reportedly remain in Russia, according to sources close to Iran’s air force.

The reason given is damage at Hamadan air base, the reported hub for the jets. Satellite imagery reportedly shows new shelters sized for large fighters there. AeroCorner stressed that these numbers are estimates.

An Ageing Fleet in Wartime

Iran’s air force still relies on F-14s, F-4s and F-5s bought before 1979. It also flies Soviet-era MiG-29s and Su-24s. The Su-35 is a capable fighter, but analysts note it is not stealthy.

The remarks come as Washington weighs new action. MS NOW reported that Trump plans strikes as soon as Nov. 4, citing regional officials. Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has ordered an unrestricted response.

Akraminia’s timeline puts any Su-35 arrival after the fighting ends. That would leave the current fleet to face any new round of strikes.