REPORTS from Russian and Iranian insiders suggest that Iran has increased its interest in buying Russian Su-35 Flanker-E fighter jets compared to initial expectations.
Photo Rosoboronexport www.roe.ru
The proposed number has increased to 42, which is significantly more than the previously assumed 24 units. Iran appears to be planning to integrate the Su-35s it is acquiring with its S-400 air defense system. This strategic move could potentially increase Israel’s vulnerability.
Rumors of a potential Su-35 purchase from Iran began circulating in March 2023. Given the current geopolitical circumstances, it is not surprising that Tehran is seeking to strengthen its defense capabilities. This was further fueled by the recent incident in which an Israeli F-35I fighter jet targeted the Iranian embassy in Syria with a missile.
This unexpected act of aggression, which occurred on Monday, April 1, 2024, led to the tragic death of three senior Quds Force generals stationed nearby. Iran’s ambassador to Syria, Hossein Akbari, had a close encounter with death while inside the embassy during the attack. The event significantly increased tensions, as demonstrated by two significant counter-attacks on Tel Aviv in the two weeks following the attack.
IRAN WILL NEGOTIATE ORDER FOR S-400
Iran’s decision to acquire the Su-35 is not only demonstrative, but primarily driven by an urgent need for modernization. As Defense Security Asia reported on Saturday, April 20, 2024, Iran is facing an urgent need to replace its fleet of aging aircraft.
There are a number of aircraft, including the MiG-29, F-4, F-5 and F-14, all purchased before 1979, that are rapidly approaching retirement and require immediate replacement.
At the same time, it appears that as the delivery of the Su-35 from Russia is firmed up, Iran plans to begin negotiations on the S-400 air defense system, another prized product of Russia. This development followed after Tehran sent a seventeen-member delegation to Yekaterinburg at Moscow’s request. Iranian delegates were offered an exclusive opportunity to tour the nearly completed S-400 production facility.
This Middle Eastern country, closely associated with the Eastern Bloc, would significantly improve its air defense arsenal by integrating the S-400 system. This defense strengthening is in line with the impressive performance of their S-300 system, which successfully thwarted Tel Aviv’s missile strikes aimed at Isfahan.
With this powerful defense system in place, Iran feels even more prepared to deter Israel while simultaneously launching a counterattack. This acquisition serves as a testament to the longstanding friendship between the world’s largest Shiite population and the Iron Curtain states.
It’s worth noting that the Su-35s they ordered were originally intended for Egypt, but the deal fell through. Given Iran’s increasing confidence in the power of the Su-35, especially in tandem with the S-400 system, it makes sense that they would be interested in acquiring more of these aircraft.
MULTI-LAYERED DEFENSE
The venerable Su-35 fighter jet and the state-of-the-art S-400 air defense system, when operating in tandem, create a powerful and layered defensive shield. Known for its agility and flexibility, the Su-35 is a versatile multirole fighter capable of dealing with both air and ground threats.
On the other hand, the S-400 is among the best global air defense platforms, and boasts an unparalleled ability to track and intercept a wide range of air targets. It is even adept at neutralizing stealth aircraft and can operate at long distances.
When the Su-35 and S-400 are synergistically aligned, they form a robust defense network, capable of decimating enemy aircraft at various distances and altitudes. The Su-35 can engage in dogfights with enemy aircraft or intercept distant missiles, while the S-400 provides protection from a wider radius. This strategic combination of systems significantly limits the adversary’s ability to penetrate defended airspace.
F-35 ADIR CAN TERMINATE PAIRING
“Navigating” through the complexities of the Israeli F-35I, nicknamed the Adir, also known as the stealth wizard, is no walk in the park. This fifth-generation stealth marvel is designed to fly under the radar, literally. However, it is claimed that the S-400 system has a certain degree of detection of stealth aircraft. The reliability of this feature, especially in a real-world scenario, is hotly debated by experts.
In addition, the F-35I boasts advanced electronic warfare capabilities that could potentially interfere with the seamless operation of the S-400 system. Couple the F-35I’s stealth and electronic expertise with state-of-the-art sensors and networking capabilities and you have a prime candidate to attack sophisticated air defense systems like the S-400.
The combination of Su-35 and S-400 really represents a significant obstacle for any opponent. However, determining the outcome of an encounter with an advanced stealth fighter such as the F-35I depends on a multitude of factors, including the tactics used, the level of training, and the specific circumstances of the engagement.
IRAN SAYS IT ‘CAPTURED’ F-35
The observations presented in this article come from a wide range of military experts – from strategists to observers and tactical specialists. As we have witnessed in the Ukrainian conflict, warfare extends beyond mere documentation. Every weapon system, no matter how great it looks on paper, has vulnerabilities and can succumb to occasional failures. Take the Storm Shadow Missiles for example – while they are successful in hitting their targets, they can be overkill. A Su-35 jet can shoot down a Patriot missile, however, it is not immune to being hit by the same Patriot.
Iran’s military power remains largely theoretical and untested on the battlefield, despite Tehran’s insistence. Astonishingly, Tehran claims to have detected and allegedly “captured” an Israeli F-35I Adir aircraft. The news first surfaced in October, reported by several Iran-focused media sources, echoing statements by Brigadier General Reza Hayeh, deputy commander of the Iranian military’s air defense operations.
As General Hajeh points out, their air defense systems keep a close eye on all air activity in the region. This constant surveillance of regional airspace is facilitated by what he calls “eavesdropping systems.” He claims that these systems ensure that no aircraft entering their detection range escapes their radar tracking.
Photo: Profimedia/Shutterstock/Illustration
POSSIBLE “MESSY”
As intricate as Israel may have plans to attack Iran’s nuclear program, the presence of two dozen Su-35 fighters in Iran’s air force could render such plans null and void. As the Israeli media Jerusalem Post suggests, the combination of the Su-35 and the S-400 missile defense system could become a significant obstacle to Israel’s plans.
While analyzing this situation, there is a point where the attack window (on Iran) is shrinking, and the Su-35 does more than chase returning Israeli fighters. These could potentially disrupt mid-air refueling, a phase where the fighter is extremely vulnerable. If the S-400 radar picks up the F-35 [stvarna mogućnost]the Su-35 will be in a position to potentially hit an Israeli aircraft with an air-to-air missile beyond visual range.
While we cannot confirm whether an Israeli plane would actually be hit, this situation could strongly deter Israeli aspirations to continue with their plan. Significantly, the Su-35 can be equipped with the H-37M, an air-to-air missile with the longest range. For both the F-16 and the F-35, this missile, with a range of 400 km and a flight speed of Mach 6, could not only threaten to disrupt their mission, but also carry a real risk of losing military equipment.
(bulgarianmilitary.com/ Boyko Nikolov)
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