Russia - Iran Military Cooperation

KoTeMoRe wrote:

Militarov wrote:

GarryB wrote:Sounds like a win win to me.

Probably some components will still be made in Russia to keep them secret but Iranian assembly should benefit both countries.

Wonder what APS they will go for... ARENA 2?  Shtora-2? Nakidka 2?

A kid in a lolly shop...  

I am so jealous...  

Knowing Iran they might just go with Shtora. APS is expencive and they might first want to replace their obsolete tank fleet asap. And get APS and other addons later.

Same idea here, what they want is to get out of the Revolutionary War and fast. What they do also want is also a better engine and of course the Thermal Imagers. The one thing they might help validate is the proximity radars for an APS, you can fit some of that into a T72S and let them get hits to see how it reacts. In a sense the moment PR's are solid, the ATGM threat is severly hampered.

Getting rid of those M48s and T54/55/Type 59s is priority (sources differ but probably around 500-600 in total) , than later throwing out those hard to service stuff like M60s and finish with those few T62s they have (in total maybe 200), so that would leave them with T72 variants and T90s in service.

Yeah, they will mostly order some to be made in Russia, then kit assembly in Iran, and then possible partial production in Iran but still with some cruical systems being bought directly from Russia.

sepheronx wrote:If this does happen, very good for Russia. But I was hoping to see the Zulfigar 3 in action....

Hopefully it will be something like T-90MS.

Surprised they wont wait for Armata though.  Unless too expensive.

I wouldnt hold my breath on Zulf 3, Slovenian Fotona FCS from basically 25 years ago and similar items inside.

Iran cannot import heavy arms for at least 5 years following the nuclear deal agreement, and there isn't even a final agreement on that.

S-300 as a purely defensive weapon is another thing, Russia held on supplying them in the past for "goodwill", but there was nothing prohibiting Russia from doing that legally, and recent geopolitical developments paved the way for its supply to Iran. Heavy arms on the other hand (and anything deemed "offensive weaponry", so that also includes aviation and naval assets) is prohibited through UN.

Imo, of course if this turn out to be true then great news for Russia and the factory. It would be of course a huge boost for the iranian army, BUT the thing is, tanks are the really last thing they need now. Aircraft and air defence systems, this should be the first, second and third priority! Tanks are the least important element in modern warfare, especially for a country in Iran's position. What good to have say 1000 T-90MS if they'll going to be blasted by american or israeli jets that brushed aside the few 30-40 year old rust buckets of IRIAF and the dated and totally inadequate air defence system? The mullahs propaganda about all those "achievements" is largely just that, propaganda, and many time laughable at that too.

If they really need to improve the tanks, start first by getting a cost effective upgrade for the tanks in service, russian or american, no matter. Get new fire control, new engines, guns and ammo, ERA, active defense systems etc. for the T-72, T-55 variants and even their american and UK tanks, it should be enough for now. Get some relatively limited number T-90MS too if they really want that. But the bulk of procurement money should go to IRIAF and IRIADF first and foremost!

Mind you, let's see first if really the S-300s will be delivered, let's see them in Iran, THEN we can at least be reasonably assured that other possible contracts are indeed possible, and not just talk.

mack8 wrote:Imo, of course if this turn out to be true then great news for Russia and the factory. It would be of course a huge boost for the iranian army, BUT the thing is, tanks are the really last thing they need now. Aircraft and air defence systems, this should be the first, second and third priority! Tanks are the least important element in modern warfare, especially for a country in Iran's position. What good to have say 1000 T-90MS if they'll going to be blasted by american or israeli jets that brushed aside the few 30-40 year old rust buckets of IRIAF and the dated and totally inadequate air defence system? The mullahs propaganda about all those "achievements" is largely just that, propaganda, and many time laughable at that too.

If they really need to improve the tanks, start first by getting a cost effective upgrade for the tanks in service, russian or american, no matter. Get new fire control, new engines, guns and ammo, ERA, active defense systems etc. for the T-72, T-55 variants and even their american and UK tanks, it should be enough for now. Get some relatively limited number T-90MS too if they really want that. But the bulk of procurement money should go to IRIAF and IRIADF first and foremost!

Mind you, let's see first if really the S-300s will be delivered, let's see them in Iran,  THEN we can at least be reasonably assured that other possible contracts are indeed possible, and not just talk.  

Defending yourself against the US, when you're Iran has only one end game, make the invasion costly. Being hit from above, isn't going to make whatever IRI government option change overnight. Tanks are mighty important especially when you see how the US backed Iraq's attack on Iran. IE getting in a war with an US proxy.

Making an attack as costly as possible is exactly what a proper, strong IRIAF and IRIADF could do, especially since the americans and co do almost everything from the air. Tanks can't shoot down planes, fighters and SAMs do. Not to mention that a first rate air force and air defence will be able to deal with ANY regional proxies by neutralizing their own air and discouraging any belicose intentions.

Iraq dominated Iran in the air for most of the 1980-88 war and gutted the iranian military, despite being vastly outnumbered in troops, this because they had much more functional and better supplied air force despite all the fancy american jets IRIAF had, that were hampered not only by the embargo, but in large part because of the debilitating purges and "cleansing". The mullahs never understood what airpower is and brings, and by the look of IRIAF today they still don't.

Anyway, i think we're discussing this in the wrong topic isn't it?

mack8 wrote:Making an attack  as costly as possible  is exactly what a proper,  strong IRIAF and IRIADF could do, especially since the americans and co do almost everything from the air. Tanks can't shoot down planes, fighters and SAMs do. Not to mention that a first rate air force and air defence will be able to deal with ANY regional proxies by neutralizing their own air and discouraging any belicose intentions.

Iraq dominated Iran in the air for most of the 1980-88 war and gutted the iranian military, despite being vastly outnumbered in troops, this because they had much more functional and better supplied air force despite all the fancy american jets IRIAF had, that were hampered not only by the embargo, but in large part because of the debilitating purges and "cleansing". The mullahs never understood what airpower is and brings, and by the look of IRIAF today they still don't.  

Anyway, i think we're discussing this in the wrong topic isn't it?  

Iraq what?

Iraq had the biggest military at the onset and until 1986 in pure numbers. It had also the biggest mechanized force and biggest AF. Unfortunately their AF fared very poorly. Similarily the Iranian military albeit kneecapped, performed its main duty, stopping and countering Iraq, pretty well.

Because the IRIAF was grounded mostly, they had to rely (as the Iraqis) in massive artillery assets. Iraq had only one advantage...It wasn't under embargo and had everything it needed to fight this war. And still it almost lost a chunk of its territory.

What Iran Stands to Gain by Purchasing Russia's Advanced T-90 Tank

Commenting on the news that Iran is considering the purchase of an unknown quantity of Russian-made T-90 main battle tanks, Iranian political scientist and military expert Abouzar Bagheri shared with Sputnik his insights into what the purchase would mean for Iran's military potential, and for the Iranian-Russian military partnership as a whole.

On Tuesday, Iranian Army Ground Forces Commander Ahmad Reza Pourdastan told Iranian media that Tehran's military cooperation with Moscow is going ahead smoothly, and that in addition to the recently renewed contract to deliver the S-300 anti-aircraft missile system, the purchase of the T-90 main battle tank is on the agenda.

"Our military cooperation with Moscow has been strengthened; we have signed the first contract for the purchase of the S-300," the general noted, according to the Tasnim News Agency. "Relatedly, the purchase of the T-90 tank is on the agenda. We are hoping that the relevant contracts will be concluded, and that our experts will be able to travel to Russia to gain experience in the operation of this modern piece of machinery."

The T-90, adopted by the Russian Armed Forces in the mid-1990s and facing several waves of modernization since then, has been quite popular on the global weapons market, particularly among the countries of Azerbaijan, Algeria and India (the latter now has over 850 T-90s). Late last month, reports surfaced that the Syrian Army's 4th Mechanized division deployed several T-90s.

Military cooperation between Moscow and Tehran became possible again after Iran reached an agreement on its nuclear program with the P5+1 group of international mediators in July.

According to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), signed in Vienna on July 14, in addition to sanctions relating to ballistic missile technologies, which will remain in place for eight years, sanctions on the sale of conventional weapons would stay in place for five years.

Nevertheless, General Pourdastan is convinced that given the growing threat of terrorism in the region, questions of self-defense and the strengthening of the country's military potential should not be unnecessarily constrained to the JCPOA. The general emphasized that Tehran would "use all available means" to defend itself from the threat of terror.

What does this mean as far as Iran's desire to purchase the Russian main battle tank? Speaking to Sputnik Persian, Abouzar Bagheri, political scientist and military expert, emphasized that all countries have the right to find ways to defend themselves.

"Iran has held negotiations with Russia on military cooperation for a long time, in particular, on the purchase of the S-300. One way or another, every country has the legitimate right to strengthen and expand its military-defense complex, in order to defend its territory in case of a potential threat, and Iran is no exception," the expert noted.

"The JCPOA," Bagheri noted, "together with instructions from the US that Iran does not have the right to conduct missile tests or purchase offensive weapons or to use them, truly has limited Iran's right to do so. However, as stated by the country's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, we must strengthen our military defensive complex, and this is not connected to the JCPOA, because Iran came to an agreement with the P5+1 on the use of the atom, not on our defense and missile potential."

"It is for this reason," the analyst suggested, " that General Pourdastan raised the issue of expanding the military potential our Iran's ground forces, notably via [the creation of a new] tank battalion, before the country's parliament."

According to Bagheri, "Tehran sees the purchase of modern tanks from Russia as part of the need to strengthen its defense industry. And, given the threats which exist in the region, Iran will certainly be using all its military potential to ensure the security of our country and neighboring countries."

Ultimately, the expert believes that the signing of military and military technical cooperation agreements with Tehran is an indication that Moscow is moving from a relationship of partner to one of strategic ally to Iran in the region. For its part, by expanding its defense potential, Iran is strengthening its capacity not only to defend itself, but to conduct joint operations with Russia in the common war against terrorism.

"Iran has said repeatedly that it would seek to defend not only its national interests…but also the oppressed peoples of the region," the Bagheri emphasized. "Today, our military instructors and advisors are present in Syria and Iraq, and help the people and governments of these countries in the war against terrorism. Iran, in close cooperation with its allies – Lebanon's Hazbollah and Russia, renders all possible assistance to the peoples of these countries."

In this connection, "if the situation in the region continues to deteriorate, and third countries seek to strengthen their imperial influence or to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries…we cannot just leave this state of affairs at is, and will use all our capabilities and potential. Firstly, it is necessary to use diplomacy, in order to stabilize the situation while avoiding a military confrontation. In order areas, Iran will act decisively and will help their allies…And of course, if someone among the imperial powers were to seek to disrupt the stability and security which we are trying to safeguard, Iran will act decisively to protect the interests and territorial integrity of our allies militarily."

Read more: http://sputniknews.com/military/20151209/1031491950/iran-t-90-purchase-possibility.html#ixzz3tvCP5V5u

GarryB wrote:Sounds like a win win to me.

Probably some components will still be made in Russia to keep them secret but Iranian assembly should benefit both countries.

Wonder what APS they will go for... ARENA 2?  Shtora-2? Nakidka 2?

A kid in a lolly shop...  

I am so jealous...  

Let the Iranians buy any sort of combinations, all I personally want is the entire deal to be purely Russian and not a single piece of western/French items in it.

Btw, how much can we expect the T-90S and T-90MS to cost per unit?

Lets say Iran seal the deal for 1000 T-90 for $5billion along with license to built additional units locally.

Any chance Russia/UVZ can produce 2000 T-90s for say $5billion? I got some secret desire/plans for the rest 1000...someone else also need to be armed as well to open another front

Dima wrote:Btw, how much can we expect the T-90S and T-90MS to cost per unit?

Lets say Iran seal the deal for 1000 T-90 for $5billion along with license to built additional units locally.

Any chance Russia/UVZ can produce 2000 T-90s for say $5billion? I got some secret desire/plans for the rest 1000...someone else also need to be armed as well to open another front

Around 4,5 million a piece for T90MS with equipment. At least that is what long standing customer India is to pay.

Rather than Su-30/35, Russia needs to promote MiG-29/35 to the Iranians and the items that I would like Iran to have (& Russia to promote) in addition to what is being talked about are..

1) Buk-M2
2) Bal complex with newer 260Km range Kh-35UE to cover the Persian Gulf if situation warrants.
3) MiG-29/35
4) Gepard 3.9 Corvettes
5) Amur-950 with 10-cell VLS for Klub/Kaliber
6) Tu-204 based ASW aircraft
7) A-50
MiG-AT (give it a chance to live and powered by AL-55)
9) IL-112
10) IL-214 (Fcuk the MTA, whose progress was anyway sabotaged for the past 10-12 years)


Ditto for DPR-Korea (in addition other stuffs being Msta-S, A-220 Bereg with a 155mm gun, Smerch), to effectively counter the international terrorists. Its high time Russia start supporting DPRK whole heatedly and built a good flank against international threats.

You forget long term contracts, personal to train crew, mechanics, plants to manufactor, engineers to travel to russia and be educated there, military structure will probably also try to look on what russia does and shit load of spareparts, subcontracts for ammunition and equipment for tank maintenance and of course training equipment and software to train rookies first on that before on tanks. 5bln is to low even for the tanks alone without anything else.

flamming_python wrote:

Dima wrote:Rather than Su-30/35, Russia needs to promote MiG-29/35 to the Iranians and the items that I would like Iran to have (& Russia to promote) in addition to what is being talked about are..

1) Buk-M2
2) Bal complex with newer 260Km range Kh-35UE to cover the Persian Gulf if situation warrants.
3) MiG-29/35
4) Gepard 3.9 Corvettes
5) Amur-950 with 10-cell VLS for Klub/Kaliber
6) Tu-204 based ASW aircraft
7) A-50
MiG-AT (give it a chance to live and powered by AL-55)
9) IL-112
10) IL-214 (Fcuk the MTA, whose progress was anyway sabotaged for the past 10-12 years)


Ditto for DPR-Korea (in addition other stuffs being Msta-S, A-220 Bereg with a 155mm gun, Smerch), to effectively counter the international terrorists. Its high time Russia start supporting DPRK whole heatedly and built a good flank against international threats.

DPRK?

And they will pay us in what exactly? Cheap labour?

Far more profitable to co-operate with South Korea in weapons and space technology, even despite the fact that it's a US ally. That should tell you something about how desirable a business partner Pyongyang is.

Cooperating with ROK is indeed far more profitable in terms of science. DPRK is a 'reluctant' Chinese pet project. But the actual muscle and profit, isn't in ROK, but well in DPRK. As soon as someone whacks Nice Guy Kim, you can have a real boom in manufacturing in really short notice. Like really short. The Chinese (and Koreans) have already started exploiting it.

Iran confirms plans to buy Russia’s T-90 tanks

The corresponding proposal on the purchase of T-90 tanks has been transferred to the General Staff of the Islamic Republic’s Armed Forces

TEHRAN, December 16. /TASS/. Iran’s Ground Force Command has transferred a proposal to the Iranian General Staff on the purchase of Russian-made T-90 tanks, Ground Force Commander, Brigadier General Ahmad Reza Pourdastan said on the sidelines of a conference on army draft held in the province of North Khorasan on Wednesday.

"The talks with representatives of the Russian side have been held and the corresponding proposal on the purchase of T-90 tanks has been transferred to the General Staff of the Islamic Republic’s Armed Forces," the news agency ISNA quoted the Iranian general as saying.

"Currently, T-72 tanks are the backbone of our armor. These armored vehicles have proved to be fairly good in combat operations. They are produced by enterprises of our defense industry. At the same time, we see that the T-90 tank possesses better combat characteristics and meets all the requirements we set to the modern armor," the commander of the Iranian ground forces said.

"In addition to tanks, we have the need for acquiring other types of armaments, such as helicopters, and also weapons and combat equipment for individual use. All this has been included in the list of armaments, which we proposed to the General Staff for acquisition," the general said.

"The Iranian defense industry has strong potential. Nevertheless, we will constantly take care of modernizing it," he added.

Speaking about a potential threat of the imposition of repeat US sanctions on Iran due to further development of the Iranian missile program, the commander of Iran’s ground forces said: "We’re using all the possibilities for strengthening the country’s security and defense capability, proceeding from the principles of ‘containment.’"

GarryB wrote:Russia needs strong allies that can defend themselves...

Iran with S-300V4 and S-350 and Su-35s is the best solution.  

Licence produced in Iran of course.

i agree is there any news (i might have missed) on if Iran intends to buy Russian aircraft? or is Iran still intent on procuring local built sub-standard aircraft such as HESA Saeqeh,  and HESA Azarakhsh, and continue to pump money into development of HESA Shafaq and Qaher-313, I think it would be better for Iran just to buy Russian aircraft makes sense really to spend money on good aircraft rather than spend money on producing sub-standard aircraft.

Iran could replace the following:

its mig-29A and J-7 with Mig-29M2 or Mig-35,

its F-14 with Su-35 or Su-30,

its F-4 with Su-34,  

its Mirage F1 with either Su-34 or Su-30

its F-5 tiger's with Mig-29M2 or Mig-35

and have its Su-24 and Su-25 upgraded

and its Toufan or Toophan attack helicopter seems to have production problems as only a few have been produce, they could source a Russian attack helicopter they would be spoiled for choice Mi-35, Mi-28, Ka-52, and Ansat-2RC, they could have a mix of heli's.

obviously this would phased in replacement replacing the less capable aircraft first.

Its seems to me that Iran is hell bent of producing everything it needs but so far haven't really produced anything ground breaking and productions seems to be a problem. Also its seems to be spending loads of cash just trying to produce parts for old american built systems. What Iran needs to do really is have a mass clear out, and look at only producing small arms, ammo, and keep its UAV and missile programs going, and then just source Russian made equipment for the rest of its needs, its better to do this than waste money on research, and designing new sub-standard equipment.

does anyone else have there views on this?

d_taddei2 wrote:i agree is there any news (i might have missed) on if Iran intends to buy Russian aircraft? or is Iran still intent on procuring local built sub-standard aircraft such as HESA Saeqeh,  and HESA Azarakhsh, and continue to pump money into development of HESA Shafaq and Qaher-313, I think it would be better for Iran just to buy Russian aircraft makes sense really to spend money on good aircraft rather than spend money on producing sub-standard aircraft.

+1
It will be a win-win for Russia and Iran but from the Russian side good products that have not yet been able to have a cut in the sales need to be promoted.

Iran could replace the following:

its mig-29A and J-7 with Mig-29M2 or Mig-35,

+1
Also, older MiG-29A need to be upgraded to SMT standard.

its F-14 with Su-35 or Su-30,

MiG-29M/M2/35

its F-4 with Su-34,

MiG-29M/M2/35

its Mirage F1 with either Su-34 or Su-30

MiG-29M/M2/35

its F-5 tiger's with Mig-29M2 or Mig-35

+1

and have its Su-24 and Su-25 upgraded

+1

and its Toufan or Toophan attack helicopter seems to have production problems as only a few have been produce, they could source a Russian attack helicopter they would be spoiled for choice Mi-35, Mi-28, Ka-52, and Ansat-2RC, they could have a mix of heli's.

Iran can do a urgent procurement for Mi-35M and deploy them in Syria in support for the ground units.

obviously this would phased in replacement replacing the less capable aircraft first.

Its seems to me that Iran is hell bent of producing everything it needs but so far haven't really produced anything ground breaking and productions seems to be a problem. Also its seems to be spending loads of cash just trying to produce parts for old american built systems. What Iran needs to do really is have a mass clear out, and look at only producing small arms, ammo, and keep its UAV and missile programs going, and then just source Russian made equipment for the rest of its needs, its better to do this than waste money on research, and designing new sub-standard equipment.

does anyone else have there views on this?

We have to consider that Iran has been under sanctions all these years and did not have much of an opening to Russian weapons. Except for the major deal for pr.877 in the early 90s no major deals materialized due to US pressure and since then no deals in multi-billion dollar terms happened. I believe a new phase is going to start with Iranian procurement of Russian systems and we might see an eventual end to manufacturing spares for old US stuff and systems based on it. Russia in turn will get a new market.

The so-called Arab spring has turned in favour of Russia in terms of new markets just when the US was booting out Russia from major markets like India with the help from local murican asslickers. I personally believe Libya was a colossal loss to Russia not just in terms of contracts and market potential, but in this fight against the terrorists. It could have been a second front (actually the initial front) where the jihadist could have be bogged down but was lost due to the assole Medvedev.

talk of Iran getting T-90, but just talk and speculation at the moment.

http://sputniknews.com/military/20160117/1033285990/iran-t90-tanks-defensive-capabilities.html

i think right now Iran needs to secure its airspace needs to invest in buying aircraft, air defence, then onto anti shipping systems before it gets to buying new ground to ground assets. Iran currently uses a mix armoured vehicles mainly consisting of old soivet, old USA, and some Iranian build upgraded copies of soviet and USA design. I am not sure just how good/bad the Iranian Zulfiqar tank but a quick glance shows nothing impressive and they only a a small number 150 max, of Zulfiqar 1/2/3 versions. I think initially they could upgrade their T-72's about 480 in service, then upgrade its BMP-2 about 400 service, then buy some BTR-82A just to give the ground forces a little boost. Then they could start a proper procurement program replacing the old soviet and chinese tanks such as the Type 59 and 69 along with complete removal of USA armoured vehicles.

The Iranian armed forces do have a few useful vehicles that they have produced over the years such as the Boragh based on Type 86/BMP-1 said to be lighter, higher road speed, and stronger armour and is armed with 12.7mm machine gun there is other variants armed with 30mm cannon, 120mm mortar, and Toophan ATGM system. Other vehicles that i think could also be useful is the Tosan tank based on the british scorpion light tank, its armed with a 90mm gun and Toophan missile launchers, brilliant for recce and anti tank shoot and scoot tactics, and another useful vehicle the based on the british Striker is either armed with Toophan missile launchers, or two racks of 77mm rockets each consisting of 23 artillery rockets so it can rain down a total of 46 77mm rockets on enemy positions not bad for shoot and scoot tactics. heres a few pics


Boragh


Tosan tank


Tosan tank


sayyad


sayyad


sayyad

I have read several articles suggesting Iran is interested in a large purchase and even perhaps domestic production of T-90s... I would suspect if ISIS decides to turn to Iran that they realise troops on the ground and decent armoured vehicles are more use than lots of shiny aircraft.

Perhaps a purchase of BMP-3s modified without an amphibious capability with the engine moved forward and proper ramp rear doors might be useful too with modern self defence capabilities like ARENA 2 and Shtora to protect them from TOW and similar weapons.

T-90S tank © ITAR-TASS/Vitaly Ivanov YEKATERINBURG, February 3. /TASS/. Russia’s Uralvagonzavod company is ready to organize in Iran licensed production of the T-90S gun launcher-armed tanks if restrictions on military-technical cooperation with that country are lifted, the corporation’s deputy director general Alexey Zharich said on Wednesday.

Russia’s main battle gun launcher-armed tank T-90S is equipped with an automated fire control system. It is a light tank (46.5 tons) with a low profile, which increases its survivability.

"Cooperation with Iran was suspended in accordance with the presidential decree "On measures to implement UN Security Council Resolution 1020 of June 9, 2010". But if restrictions on military-technical cooperation with Iran are lifted, the corporation together with Rosoboronexport (arms exporting company) is ready to continue cooperation, in particular, on the licensed production of the T-90S tanks, modernization of the T-72S tanks and their production capacities," Zharich said.

On Tuesday, Commander of the Iranian Ground Forces Ahmad Reza Pourdastan said the country preferred not to purchase Russia’s T-90 tanks, but to establish their production in the country.

More:
http://tass.ru/en/defense/854186

I don't normally read these two sources, but this was posted on another site, and was published today.
Iran looks likely to order Su-30 jets.
If this is true, it's big news indeed.

FEB. 10, 2016, 6:30 A.M. E.S.T.
Iran to Purchase Sukhoi-30 Fighter Jets From Russia

TEHRAN, Iran — Iran will sign a contract with Russia for the purchase of Sukhoi-30 fighter jets, Iran's defense minister said Wednesday.

In comments published on the ministry of defense website, Gen. Hossein Dehghan did not specify how many fighter planes Iran will buy, or give a timeline for the signing of the deal. However, he said that under the agreement Iran would also be involved in the production of the aircraft.

Iran needs to "seriously focus on the air force and fighters," he said. "We are moving toward a contract. We told them that we need to be involved in the production (of the plane) as well."

Iran's acquisition is significant given its role as a regional power in the volatile Middle East, where it is backing opposite sides in conflicts in Yemen and Syria to its longtime rival Saudi Arabia.

The fighter jet is believed to be comparable to the American F-15E fighter bomber.

Iran's air force still heavily depends on domestically modified versions of long-outdated warplanes, including former Soviet MiGs and American F14A Tomcats from the 1970s.

Dehghan also rejected reports that Iran has negotiated the purchase of J10 fighter jets from China.

Russia has already started delivering S-300 air defense missile systems to Iran. The advanced defensive weapons system deal was frozen in 2010 due to U.N sanctions.

Russian President Vladimir Putin approved delivery of the air defense missile system in April 2015, a move that will significantly bolster the Islamic Republic's military capability.

Dehghan said the first Iranian crews, who have been trained in Russia, will return home within the next two or three days and another group will be dispatched for training subsequently.

Iranian efforts to build up its air power is mostly a homegrown project, tweaking older technology or using domestic know-how to build its first generations of spy and attack drones. Iran has also made progress in developing its missile program.

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2016/02/10/world/middleeast/ap-ml-iran-russia.html?_r=2

and..

Business | Wed Feb 10, 2016 4:29am EST Related: WORLD, UNITED NATIONS, AEROSPACE & DEFENSE
Iran to upgrade missiles, get Russian defense system: minister

Iran will unveil an upgrade of its Emad ballistic missiles this year, the defense minister was quoted as saying, advancing a program that has drawn criticism from the United Nations and sanctions from the United States.

The Islamic Republic would also start taking delivery of an advanced Russian S-300 surface-to-air missile defense system in the next two months, Hossein Dehghan added - a system that was blocked before a landmark nuclear deal with world powers.

Tehran agreed the deal on curbing its nuclear work in July last year and international sanctions were lifted in January. But tensions with Washington have remained high as Tehran continues to develop its military capabilities.

Iran first tested the Emad missile in October. With improved accuracy over its existing arsenal, Iran says the new missile will be an important part of its conventional deterrent.

But the United States says the Emad is capable of carrying a nuclear warhead and the test therefore violated a U.N. resolution. Washington imposed fresh sanctions last month against Iranian individuals and businesses linked to the missile program.

"We will unveil the next generation of Emad with improved precision in the next (Iranian) year (starting from March 20)," Dehghan was quoted as saying by the Fars news agency late on Tuesday.

"The Emad missile is not a violation of the nuclear deal or any U.N. resolution since we will never use a nuclear warhead (on it). It's an allegation," he said, adding that mass production would begin in the near future.

Iran is also due to start taking delivery of the S-300 missiles system from Russia in the next two months, Dehghan said, and the order would be completed by the end of the year.

Russia canceled a contract to deliver the advanced anti-missile rocket system to Iran in 2010 under pressure from the West following U.N. sanctions imposed on Iran over its nuclear program.

Tehran and Moscow have also started talks on the supply of the Russian-made Sukhoi-30 fighter jets to Iran, Dehghan said.

"We have even decided on the number of Sukhoi-30 fighter jets that we want to buy," Dehghan said.

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-iran-arms-russia-idUSKCN0VJ0MN

Great news for both Russia and Iran. Interesting in this article is, that first Iranian crews are already trained and that they will send another group of crews for trainings. I think this could mean, that Iran could quite quickly receive their first Su-30 fighters, so they will be most probably Su-30MK2 from KNAAPO as Irkut is full with production for RuAF and they will also have to produce Su-30SM for Kazakhstan and Belarus. KNAAPO have free production line for Su-30MK2 as they will finish order for Vietnam as well as for RuAF.

medo wrote:Great news for both Russia and Iran. Interesting in this article is, that first Iranian crews are already trained and that they will send another group of crews for trainings. I think this could mean, that Iran could quite quickly receive their first Su-30 fighters, so they will be most probably Su-30MK2 from KNAAPO as Irkut is full with production for RuAF and they will also have to produce Su-30SM for Kazakhstan and Belarus. KNAAPO have free production line for Su-30MK2 as they will finish order for Vietnam as well as for RuAF.

Think these "crews" are actually S-300 crews, not Su-30s...