Iran strikes deal with Russia for advanced Su‑35 fighters and Mi‑28 helicopters

Iran has confirmed a signed contract with Russia to purchase Su-35 fighters and Mi-28 attack helicopters. This development is reported by the Defense Romania portal, which cites Reuters as the source. In this piece, we delve into the capabilities of both aircraft.

As per Defense Romania, the negotiations between Russia and Iran in Tehran concluded on Tuesday, November 28. The specifics, including the number of planes and helicopters Iran will acquire and the delivery timeline, have yet to be disclosed. It is, however, known that the contract primarily involves Su-35 fighters and Mi-28 helicopters. Iran also confirmed receipt of a Russian training aircraft, Yak-130, by its air forces back in September.

According to Defense Romania, these purchases might be due to the fact that Iran's fleet of fighters is becoming outdated. This compelled Tehran to posture toward self-sustenance in 2018, when it announced plans to commence local production of the Kowsar fighter.

The Su-35s that Iran will buy from Russia are among the most technologically advanced aircraft produced by Russia presently. An upgrade of its predecessor, the Su-27, the Su-35 stands out due to its enhanced radar system and increased dimensions made possible by larger wings.

Powered by two engines each producing a maximum thrust of 14,500 kg, the Russian Su-35s are capable of an impressive range of up to 4,500 km (with additional fuel tanks). These formidable fighters can exceed speeds of Mach 2.2, and of their starting mass of 28 tons, 8 tons are allocated to weaponry. This includes precision air-to-air, air-to-ground missiles, as well as a variety of bombs including Vympel R-27/77/73, Kh-31/59/29 and more.

Conversely, the Mi-28 attack helicopters – a two-seater model designed as an equivalent to the American Apache – are primarily intended for the destruction of heavily armored vehicles, including tanks. These were first conceived in the 1980s.

Propelled by two Klimov engines, the Mi-28 helicopters have a weight of just under 17,416 lbs with a starting weight exceeding 26,455 lbs. These powerful engines allow the helicopter to reach velocities well over 186 miles per hour. On a single refuel, the maximum navigable range of the helicopter is approximately 281 miles. The primary weapon is a movable NPPU-28 cannon incorporating a 2A42 30 mm cannon. The manufacturer also provides four B8V20-A missile containers (housing 20 missiles each) capable of firing S-8 type missiles.