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| Foto:MiG-29 fighter |
VISTORBELITUNG.COM,In a move to bolster its aging air force, Iran has reportedly received a batch of Russian-made MiG-29 fighter jets, according to a member of the country's parliament. The delivery is seen as a "short-term solution" as Tehran awaits the arrival of more advanced military hardware from both Russia and China.
Abolfazl Zohrevand, a member of the National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, told local media that the MiG-29s are currently stationed in Shiraz. He emphasized that this is an interim measure while Iran anticipates the delivery of more sophisticated Sukhoi Su-35 jets. The lawmaker also disclosed that Iran is in the process of acquiring significant numbers of Russia's S-400 air defense systems and China's HQ-9 air defense systems.
The reported acquisitions come as Iran seeks to modernize its military capabilities, which largely consist of pre-1979 American aircraft and a small number of Russian and domestically modified platforms. The influx of Russian and Chinese military technology underscores a growing strategic partnership between these nations.
While the MiG-29s are not the most advanced fighters in Russia's arsenal, their arrival represents a significant upgrade for Iran's air force. The move could reshape the regional balance of power by complicating the operational planning of other countries, particularly Israel, which maintains air superiority with platforms like the F-35I Adir.
Neither Moscow nor Beijing has officially confirmed the deliveries. However, the announcement from the Iranian lawmaker highlights Tehran's determination to strengthen its defense capabilities and project power amid ongoing regional tensions. This latest development follows a long-standing effort by Iran to acquire advanced military systems, which was previously confirmed by Iran's Deputy Defense Minister General Mahdi Farahi, who stated in November 2023 that the country was acquiring Russian Mi-28 attack helicopters, Su-35 jets, and Yak-130 combat-trainer aircraft.