Vizglyad: Are Russian fighter jets a game-changer in the Middle East?

A Russian news site pointed out that Iran's acquisition of the advanced Russian "Sukhoi-35" fighters is changing the rules of the game in the Middle East, noting that these aircraft are superior to the American articles in Israel.

Vzglyad confirmed in 

by Russian writer Rafael Fakhrutdinov that Moscow, after lifting the ban on selling conventional weapons to Iran in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2231 in October 2020, decided to supply Tehran with these fighters, which will save Russia billions of dollars. And it gives Iran enough strength to confront Israel and threaten American influence in the region.

According to the site, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, in a joint press conference with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, expressed concern about the growing strategic partnership between Russia and Iran, and in particular the sale of Iranian drones to Moscow.

The writer stated that the Biden administration considers closer relations between Moscow and Tehran a "harmful" step, claiming that the Iranians are receiving actual training in using the new aircraft, and White House spokesman John Kirby indicated that these fighters would strengthen the Iranian air force compared to its neighbors in the region.

And the site quoted what was published by the American newspaper "The New York Times" that Iran revealed last February a new underground air base called "Eagle 44" located at the foot of a mountain 160 km north of the Strait of Hormuz.

The newspaper quoted former US government image analyst Chris Biggers as saying, after reviewing satellite images of this base, that there are two models of combat aircraft, including a model that matches the dimensions of the Russian Sukhoi-35 aircraft, located at the site that is being prepared.

The writer quoted what was said by a member of the National Security and Foreign Policy Committee in the Iranian parliament, Shehryar Heidari, as saying that the Russian "Sukhoi-35" planes will arrive in Iran early next year.

In turn, the commander of the Iranian Air Force, General Hamid Vahidi, confirmed that along with the "Sukhoi-35" fighters, Tehran plans to purchase the "Sukhoi-30" fighters.

The writer adds that the "Sukhoi-35" fighters showed high capabilities during their participation in operations in Syria and Ukraine.

The factor that prompted Iran to consider buying these fighters, and the same sources indicated the possibility of deploying the "Sukhoi-35" to protect the main facilities associated with the Iranian nuclear program.

It is noteworthy that Russian officials remained silent about the statement of Iranian officials, however, the agreement on this deal is - according to the author - a very important achievement for the Russian arms trade system, and brings great profits to the domestic fighter aircraft manufacturers.

"This contract is considered a good stage in the field of further promotion of the products of the Russian military-industrial complex in the Middle East," the writer quoted military expert Andrei Krasnobirov as saying, adding that Russia's training of Iranian pilots within the framework of long-term programs deepens cooperation between countries.

from her side;

Military Watch magazine writes that the Sukhoi-35 has destroyed more enemy fighters than any other aircraft since the Cold War, and its capabilities exceed the capabilities of modern Western fighters such as the F-35 and F-35. 15 Eagle" (F-15 Eagle).

The writer also quoted Krasnobirov as saying that Iran, by obtaining the "Sukhoi-35" fighters, will double its air force, given that this fighter has maneuvering capabilities and high air combat capabilities.

The writer highlighted what some experts say that Iran has S-300 air defense systems and the Tor missile system, and will allow it to obtain Russian fighters to establish an integrated air defense system. Moscow would change the balance of power in the Middle East region, and would represent a serious challenge to Israel, especially since these Russian fighters outperform the best American fighters and, if equipped with long-range air-to-air missiles, can target them from long distances, according to a Russian expert.

At the conclusion of the report, the writer continued that providing Tehran with combat aircraft reflects the decline of American influence within the region and the world at large, coupled with the sweeping of China and Russia in the Middle East, the reality that threatens the United States and its Israeli partners and requires them to act wisely with regard to the Yemeni file.