Russia delivered fighters to a “key ally – Iran,” but with a certain nuance.

Iran confirmed the receipt of the first Russian MiG-29 fighters stationed at the base in Shiraz. The date of the fighters’ arrival is not specified, but such information does not raise doubts among experts.

Fighter Deliveries

According to Iranian media, the aircraft are considered a temporary solution to strengthen the country’s air forces, reports the publication “Military” on September 23, 2025. In the long term, Tehran hopes to receive more modern Su-35s from Moscow, but no statements about specific delivery dates have been made yet.

Abolfazl Zohrevand, a member of the parliamentary committee on national security, noted that the first Su-35s are already “on the way.” Local sources also mention potential deliveries of Chinese HQ-9 anti-aircraft missile systems and Russian S-400s, but these statements require official confirmation.

Updating the Aircraft Fleet

Key analysts point to Iran’s outdated aviation and air defense systems. The country’s defensive capabilities depend on American aircraft from the 1970s and a small number of Russian aircraft. Tehran has only partially been able to realize its intention to purchase about 50 Russian fighters, as Moscow is awaiting contract fulfillment due to their own needs because of the conflict in Ukraine.

Criticism of Combat Capability

Despite possible deliveries, a number of reports about the transfer of Su-35s also raise doubts. Moreover, the combat capability of Iranian air defense systems has been criticized: at the beginning of the year, Israeli strikes destroyed S-300 complexes purchased from Russia in 2016.

Western Reaction

Additionally, there were earlier reports of US President Donald Trump’s reaction to the possibility of European intervention in the event of NATO countries’ border violations. Such questions highlight the complexity of the situation in the region and the increasing security threats.

Recently, there have also been reports from Ukraine about the destruction of rare Russian equipment, emphasizing the ongoing military actions and conflicts involving both sides.