Iran's Su-35 Choice: Why Tehran Waits for Russian Jets Until 2028

Iran continues to pursue the purchase of Russian Su-35 fighter jets despite a delivery timeline extending to 2028, according to Defense Express. The delay raises questions about Tehran's commitment to the deal, especially as Ethiopia received its Su-35s before Iran. Iran had previously considered the Chinese-Pakistani J-10C fighter as an alternative. Russian state media quoted Iranian military official Mohammed Akriminia saying Su-35 deliveries would follow a potential US-Iran war, though the deal was planned before regional conflicts in 2024-2025. Iran is already training pilots and building infrastructure for the aircraft. Analysts suggest Russia may have convinced Iran that multi-year waits are normal, citing Algeria's 2019 contract for 19 Su-34s delivered only this year. Alternatively, China and Pakistan may have refused to sell J-10Cs to Iran, leaving Tehran with no choice but to wait for the Russian jets.