TEHRAN: Iran’s air force has added a fleet of advanced Russian combat trainer jets to enhance its training and combat capabilities, according to local media reports on Saturday.
Tasnim news agency reported that a number of Yak-130 training aircraft have arrived in Iran and joined the Shahid Babaei Air Base in Isfahan, located in central Iran. This addition is part of Iran’s ongoing arms contracts with the Russian Federation.
Despite international sanctions affecting both Iran and Russia’s trade, the two nations have strengthened their ties, particularly in military cooperation. In March, Iran announced an agreement to purchase Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets from Russia.
Iran Dismisses Allegations of Supplying Weapons to Russia
While accusations have been made by Ukraine and Western allies claiming Iran’s involvement in supplying weapons to Russia for use in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Iran consistently denies these allegations.
In May, the United States expressed concerns about Iran and Russia expanding their defense partnership. According to US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby, Iran had delivered more than 400 drones to Russia since August of the previous year. Iran also expressed interest in procuring attack helicopters, radars, and Yak-130 aircraft from Russia.
Iran’s current air force consists mainly of Russian MiG and Sukhoi fighter jets from the Soviet era, along with some Chinese aircraft, including the F-7. Additionally, a number of American F-4 and F-5 fighter jets dating back to before the 1979 Islamic Revolution remain part of Iran’s fleet.
