I believe that some of Iran's aircrafts are simply too old. Airframes can only last for so long. Recently an Iranian J-7 crashed. I mean yes it happens, recently in the Mohave desert, an F-18 crashed, but still imo Iran needs some modern flanker variants with technology transfers. Some of those older airframes are simply at the end of their lifecycles. It's a miracle they've been able to keep them going for so long already.
Iran has made the right choice investing heavily in missile technology and UAVs. In the future UAVs will become more maneuverable. Once they can fly as fast as fighter jets, dispense flares, use counter measures, they'll basically be unmanned fighter jets. The US is already working on such platforms. It's definitely the future.
Iran has made the right choice investing heavily in missile technology and UAVs. In the future UAVs will become more maneuverable. Once they can fly as fast as fighter jets, dispense flares, use counter measures, they'll basically be unmanned fighter jets. The US is already working on such platforms. It's definitely the future.
The war in Ukraine has taught the world a few things regarding modern combat.
Air defense systems are significantly more important than air-to-air combat aircraft
Drones are essential for combat missions, and for laser/guided artillery. Drones significantly reduce the need for air-to-ground combat aircraft
Laser/guided artillery reduce the need for air-to-ground combat aircraft
Accurate ballistic missiles (like the Iskander, or the Iranian Fateh) significantly reduce the need for air-to-ground combat aircraft
Combat aircrafts biggest role is supporting ground operations and shooting cruise missiles and other guided munitions. Basically mobile cruise missile launchers.
The Russians are using SU-25's, SU-24's, and SU-34's... More than anything, 25's and 24's. The other significant piece of aviation is the KA-52 helicopter.
What that means is for Iran, is that they need 4/5 pieces of aviation. They shouldn't invest anything significant in this area. Just upgrades and the ability to manufacture. Again, this will require Russia to give Iran the build specs for the SU-22, SU-25, and the AL-21 engine.
Kowsars (light attack)
SU-22's (bomb/missile truck)
SU-25's (ground support)
F4's (bomb/missile truck)
Toufan/Panha 2091 helicopters
It flies Mach 2.1, with a service ceiling of 50,000 feet (SU-24 is 36,000 feet... SU-34 is 56,000 feet). Can now fire precision guided bombs, cruise missiles (with 15km range), and Yasin glide bombs which have a 50km range.