Iran Su-35 Fighter Jets to Arrive After War, Spokesman Says

Iran has signed contracts for Russian-made Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets and has already trained the pilots who will fly them, Mohammad Akraminia told the Iranian news site Tabnak. He said Iran now expects to receive the aircraft once the war is over.

Reports differ on Akraminia's rank, his post and the day of the interview. The Jerusalem Post called him General Mohammad Akraminia, a spokesman for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and reported that he spoke on Sunday. JNS identified him as Brig. Gen. Mohammad Akraminia, spokesman for the Islamic Republic of Iran Army, and reported that the interview took place on Saturday.

Akraminia said the jets had been scheduled to arrive before the fighting started. He did not explain why that delivery never happened.

"We had already completed the necessary preliminary work, including the procurement process and the signing of contracts. The necessary work concerning pilot training and instruction had also been completed, and there were no longer any problems in that regard," Akraminia said.

"In fact, these aircraft were supposed to arrive before the war. God willing, we will certainly receive them after the war and upgrade our air fleet," he added.

Akraminia did not name Russia in the interview. Russia is the only established manufacturer of the Su-35, which is built by Sukhoi, part of Russia's United Aircraft Corporation.

Akraminia said Iran's air force would emerge from the war "with more power" and with "more advanced aircraft and equipment." He also declared that Iran is "ready for war with America."

He said Iran is developing ground-based and airborne radar systems, along with satellites, to strengthen its air defenses. "When you operate an advanced aircraft such as the Su-35, you must also have ground-based systems, airborne systems, and satellite capabilities supporting it," he said.

Akraminia blamed US sanctions for making it harder to rebuild Iran's military. "The Americans have absolutely refused to allow these new technologies to enter our country. They have imposed very severe sanctions," he said. He also claimed Iran "did not use a single foreign-produced weapon."

On October 25, senior Iranian parliamentarian Ibrahim Azizi posted a map of Israel marked with strategic targets and warned that a single miscalculation would make the country unlivable.