Evaluating the Implications of the SU-35 Deal Between Russia and Iran

The geopolitical landscape is ever-changing. It shifts in response to political, economic, and military decisions made by nations worldwide. A recent transaction exemplifies this phenomenon: the trade of SU-35s between Russia and Iran, part of a staggering 20-year, $10 billion defense agreement struck in January 2023. The deal includes supplying Iran with 24 Su-35SEs, Russia’s most advanced fighter jets, two S-400 air defense missile systems, and a military satellite. This negotiation suggests a full-fledged defense partnership between Russia and Iran, alarming the United States and its allies.

Russia and Iran’s Defense Partnership

The Iranian Air Force, since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, has depended on antiquated jets. The introduction of new Su-35SEs is anticipated to bolster Iran’s air force significantly. The Su-35SE fighter jets, with their super-maneuverability and stealth features, will undoubtedly upgrade Iran’s aerial combat capabilities. The delivery of the first batch of these fighter jets is imminent.

This military deal has raised eyebrows, particularly in the United States and its allied nations. The U.S. accused Iran of providing drones for Russia’s use in Ukraine and Russia of reciprocating by supplying Iran with helicopters and air defense systems. In response, the U.S. has imposed sanctions on Russian entities involved in transferring Iranian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to Russia. The partnership has sparked worries not just concerning Ukraine but also about Iran’s neighboring countries in the region.

While there is a consensus that this deal signals an escalating defense partnership between Russia and Iran, some analysts downplay the potential implications. They argue that while the Su-35s may boost Iran’s air force, they won’t necessarily provide air superiority over the Persian Gulf or extend Iran’s power far beyond its borders. Even with advanced Su-35s, Iran will still face formidable challenges from the U.S. and its allies’ superior air forces and technologies. Furthermore, these analysts note that Iranian pilots may lack the necessary training and experience to utilize the Su-35s effectively, as Iran has not purchased new fighter jets since the early 1990s.

South Korea’s Evaluation of the Su-35

South Korea’s assessment of the Su-35 is notably negative. They perceive the Russian fighter jet as inferior to their own F-35A stealth fighters and KF-21 Boramae (Hawk) indigenous fighters. They cite advanced avionics, sensors, stealth features, and weapons giving their aircraft an edge over the Su-35 in situational awareness, survivability, and strike capability.

South Korea sees the Su-35 as a potential threat due to its operation by North Korea’s ally, China. China, which has 24 Su-35s in service, has deployed some of these aircraft near the Korean Peninsula, where they have conducted patrols and exercises in the East China Sea and Yellow Sea. Concerns also rise from China potentially reverse-engineering the Su-35’s technology to enhance its own fighter jets.

The SU-35’s Radar: N035 Irbis-E

Despite being Russia’s most advanced fighter jet, the Su-35’s radar, the N035 Irbis-E (Snow Leopard), is not without its limitations. A passive electronically scanned array (PESA) radar, it is inferior to the active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars used by many modern fighters, such as the F-35, F-22, Rafale, and Typhoon. The Irbis-E radar’s limited detection range and tracking capability, as well as its relatively poor performance in air-to-ground and air-to-sea modes, also point to its limitations.

Preference for Rafale over SU-35

Various nations have chosen to acquire the Rafale, a French multirole fighter, over the Su-35. These include India, who cited advanced avionics, weapons, interoperability, and a strategic partnership with France as reasons. Egypt and Qatar are other examples.

Egypt’s Preference for Rafale

Egypt chose to buy Rafales over Su-35s for multiple reasons. These include a desire for diversification, interoperability with existing platforms, the Rafale’s performance, and a strategic partnership with France.

Conclusion

In summary, the recent transaction of SU-35s between Russia and Iran has generated reactions ranging from trepidation to dismissal.

We have yet to see the ability of Iranian pilots to use this aircraft.