For the first time, Iran has confirmed the purchase of Su-35 fighters from Russia.

According to a member of the parliamentary commission on national security and foreign policy, Shahriyar Kheidari, aircraft will be delivered to the country at the beginning of the new year on the Iranian calendar, i.e. after March 21, 2023.

In addition, Russia will supply Iran with helicopters, missiles and air defense systems.

Heidari did not give any details. He did not name the purchased aircraft quantity, contract sum and transaction terms also were not disclosed.

At the end of December, Western intelligence reported that Russia was going to transfer 24 Su-35 fighters to Iran in exchange for “kamikaze drones.”

Initially, the aircraft were intended for Egypt, the contract for their supply was signed by Moscow and Cairo in early 2019.

The amount of the operation was estimated at $2 billion. However, Egypt abandoned the aircraft, probably due to the threat of sanctions from the United States.

Flight characteristics of Russian Su-35 could be another possible reason for refusal by Egypt to buy this aircraft.

The commander of the Iranian Air Force reported that the purchase of Russian Su-30 fighters, which was previously planned, has now given way to plans for the purchase of Su-35S fighters.

In 2022, twenty one Su-35 fighters, which were intended for Egypt, stood on the territory of the Komsomolsk-na-Amure Aviation Plant.

Moscow and Tehran could agree on the supply of fighters in exchange for drones on July 26, 2022.

Intelligence reported that Iranian pilots and equipment came to Russia along with Shahed-136 and Shahed-131 drones to train Su-35 maintenance.