Well in my opinion, to start Iran should simply buy a few dozen ready made Flankers. Iran just has to make sure to get the software codes and all the blueprints. After that they can purchase some knock-down kits from Russia and put those together.
Then Iran can do some co-production. Using the technology transfers, begin building some of the components and serially produce some fighters which still incorporate Russian vital components and parts.
Eventually, as you stated, Iran can move onto creating a fully indigenous assembly line.
I've read that Iran has one Titanium mine in Kerman province and even exports Titanium so if the political will is there, then it really shouldn't be an issue.
Iran has brought a major titanium mine online in the NorthWest of the country and now plans to develop processing capacity there, according to provincial officials.
www.miningmagazine.com
Iran claims titanium mine progress
Iran has brought a major titanium mine online in the NorthWest of the country and now plans to develop processing capacity there, according to provincial officials.
Parisa Abedpour, deputy head of the Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade in West Azerbaijan province, told the state-run
IRNA agency that the Qara-Aghaj mine near provincial capital Urmia is now fully operational ahead of the planned construction of a processing plant.
Qara-Aghaj is estimated to have 208 million tonnes of titanium-bearing ore, with an average grade of 8.5%, according to
historic exploration data gathered by the Iranian Society of Mining and Engineering.
Iran exported only 150t of titanium last year, generating revenues of just US$390,000, according to the ministry.
The country only has one titanium slag plant in operation in Kahnuj in southeastern Kerman province, which has a production capacity of 130,000t/yr of titanium dioxide concentrate and 70,000t/yr of titanium slag.
The US in April renewed its determination from November 2019 that any sales to Iran of titanium, among other metals including chromium, nickel and 60% tungsten, were sanctionable as they are useful to Iran's nuclear, missile, and military programmes.