IRIAF | News and Discussions

[AbdulQadir7]

Reports that Iran started receiving jet fighters from Russia. Russia’s expected delivery of Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets to Iran represents a significant upgrade for Tehran’s air force, which has relied on aging aircraft for decades.

 

[Akbar26]

𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 / 𝐃𝐞𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐞 | 𝗜𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝟭𝟵𝟳𝟲 𝗜𝗿𝗮𝗻 𝗵𝗮𝗱 𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝟭𝟲𝟬 𝗙𝟭𝟲 𝗙𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗝𝗲𝘁𝘀…This deal did not happen due to the Revolution of Iran.If the Revolution happened a year later (𝟭𝟵𝟴𝟬), Iran would now have the region’s 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀𝘁 air force.𝗡𝗼 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗿𝘆 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗶𝘁, 𝗜𝗿𝗮𝗻 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝗻𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟬 𝗝𝟮𝟬/𝗝𝟭𝟬 𝗷𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗮.

 

[Akbar26]

Iran has reportedly secured permission from Russia to locally assemble the Su-35 and Su-30fighter jets, marking a significant advancement in its military capabilities. This development is expected to enhance Iran's air force, which has been reliant on aging aircraft due to international sanctions and limited access to modern military technology.

Key Details:​

• Local Assembly Plans: Iran plans to assemble between 48 and 77 Su-35 jets, with potential for additional Su-30 fighters. This initiative aims to modernize Iran's air force, which currently operates older models like the F-14 Tomcat and F-4 Phantom, many of which were acquired prior to the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
• Strategic Partnership with Russia: The collaboration with Russia is seen as a strategic move, allowing Iran to bolster its military capabilities while reducing dependence on foreign imports. The assembly will likely begin with pre-manufactured components and subsystems from Russia, eventually leading to full domestic production capabilities.
• Regional Implications: The enhancement of Iran's air power is likely to raise concerns among U.S.-aligned states in the Middle East. As Iran develops its military capabilities, it may alter the regional balance of power, particularly in light of its ongoing support for Russia amid the conflict in Ukraine.
• Economic and Industrial Growth: This initiative is not only about military enhancement; it is also expected to create job opportunities and foster growth in Iran's aerospace industry. By developing local manufacturing capabilities, Iran aims to mitigate the effects of sanctions that have limited its access to modern military equipment.
• Background Context: The deal follows Egypt's cancellation of an order for 24 Su-35 jets due to U.S. sanctions threats, which allowed Russia to redirect these aircraft to Iran. This acquisition is part of a broader quid pro quo arrangement where Iran has been supplying drones and missiles to Russia for its operations in Ukraine.

Conclusion​

The local assembly of Su-35 and Su-30 fighter jets represents a significant step forward for Iran's military modernization efforts. As Tehran enhances its air capabilities through this partnership with Russia, it will likely provoke reactions from neighboring countries and shift the dynamics of military power in the region. The implications of this development will be closely monitored by international observers as it unfolds.

Not Just Su-35 Aircraft, russia Also Gave iran the License to Manufacture Them Locally | Defense Express

Tehran will be able to assemble this fighter domestically out of pre-made parts, with the potential to grow its Su-35 fleet to a hundred units within a short term

en.defence-ua.com

https://twitter.com/x/status/1852986789927035128

 

[AbdulQadir7]

Iranian Air Defense shot down its own F-4 Phantom aircraft near Kermanshah region.
Iranian military is on high alert after recent Israeli strikes and developments following that.

 

[sidkhan2]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1855307913193218101

​

 

[Akbar26]

The Commander of the Iranian Air Force today inspected the Chinese J-10 fighter jets
With a price tag of $40 million, 100 J-10s will cost $4 billion.
The J-10s are better than the F-16s in terms of weapons and flight performance

 

[sidkhan2]

The Commander of the Iranian Air Force today inspected the Chinese J-10 fighter jets
With a price tag of $40 million, 100 J-10s will cost $4 billion.
The J-10s are better than the F-16s in terms of weapons and flight performance

View attachment 1034086

Iranian Air Force Commander Brigadier General Hamid Vahedi has been observed exploring the capabilities of China’s J-10C fighter jet. This interaction is part of ongoing defense collaborations between Iran and China, and it demonstrates Iran's interest in modernizing its air force capabilities amid escalating regional tensions. While Iran has generally been reliant on its indigenous defense manufacturing, partnerships with countries like China allow access to advanced technology and operational techniques that are otherwise challenging due to international sanctions. Additionally, as military partnerships between China and Middle Eastern countries grow, such ties could shift regional power dynamics and influence the collective defense capabilities of states in opposition to Western and Israeli influence.

This visit comes amid Iran's broader strategic emphasis on strengthening defense, as reaffirmed in recent military engagements and upgrades across the Iranian Armed Forces. China’s potential role in supporting West Asia could thus reinforce the military preparedness of allies in the region.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1856246950523482334

 

[vizier]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1855307913193218101

​

Nice item and seems to have a good range. However it is hard to transfer to groups like Yemen, Hezbollah or Iraqi resistance.

For search radar: Passive radar system that uses Fm transmitters can be used for early warning-search radar option against air targets. While the location may not be accurate enough depending on the system and its dsp capabilities it can inform the other systems like tracking radars or in case of Yemen-Hezbollah passive stealthy IIR tracker sam system that they use to down mq-9, hermes and similar drones.

fm transmitters can be detected and destroyed but they are easier to produce and unmanned. So loss of personnel and expensive equipment that happens in case of the destruction of the whole radar system does not happen in the case of passive radars.


For tracking & guiding sams: Basicly IIR sensors-sams that Hezbollah-Houthis use can be sufficient. Another example that I found out is this one. This is a more developed infrared based example

 

[HaiderAfan]

Iran has made significant strides in drone technology over the past decade, evolving from a nation with limited capabilities to one that boasts a highly advanced drone force. This transformation raises the question of whether Iran could leverage its drone expertise to develop fighter aircraft.
Current Capabilities

• Drone Development: Iran has developed a diverse range of drones, including combat and reconnaissance models. The Shahed-136, for instance, is a kamikaze drone that has been widely used in conflicts, including in Ukraine. Its ability to evade radar and carry substantial payloads showcases Iran's technological advancements in this area
• Production Capacity: Reports indicate that Iran can produce approximately 100 drones per month, with plans to expand this production significantly through partnerships with countries like Russia, which aims to manufacture thousands of Iranian-designed drones domestically

Potential for Fighter Aircraft
While Iran has demonstrated impressive capabilities in drone technology, developing a fighter aircraft presents distinct challenges:

• Technological Hurdles: Creating a fighter jet requires advanced engineering, materials science, and aerodynamics that differ from drone technology. While Iran has made strides in reverse engineering and adapting foreign designs, building an entirely new fighter aircraft would require substantial investment and expertise.
• Historical Context: Iran's military aviation has historically relied on older U.S.-made aircraft, with sanctions limiting access to modern technologies. However, Iran's advancements in drone technology suggest a potential pathway for future developments in manned aircraft if they can adapt their existing knowledge.

Strategic Implications
The evolution of Iran's drone capabilities has significant implications for regional security dynamics:

• Power Projection: Drones allow Iran to project power beyond its borders without the need for extensive air force capabilities. This strategy has been effective in conflicts across the Middle East, where Iranian drones have been used by proxy groups against U.S. interests and allies
• Partnerships: Collaborations with countries like Russia enhance Iran's technological base and provide access to additional military resources. This partnership not only aids in drone production but could also facilitate knowledge transfer for developing advanced aircraft

Conclusion
While Iran's current focus on drones has yielded impressive results, transitioning to fighter aircraft development would require overcoming significant technical and logistical challenges. However, given their rapid advancements in drone technology and military partnerships, it is not outside the realm of possibility that Iran could eventually pursue this goal. The implications of such developments would likely reshape regional military balances and provoke responses from neighboring countries and global powers.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1856961472154272085

 

[vizier]

Iran has made significant strides in drone technology over the past decade, evolving from a nation with limited capabilities to one that boasts a highly advanced drone force. This transformation raises the question of whether Iran could leverage its drone expertise to develop fighter aircraft.
Current Capabilities

• Drone Development: Iran has developed a diverse range of drones, including combat and reconnaissance models. The Shahed-136, for instance, is a kamikaze drone that has been widely used in conflicts, including in Ukraine. Its ability to evade radar and carry substantial payloads showcases Iran's technological advancements in this area
• Production Capacity: Reports indicate that Iran can produce approximately 100 drones per month, with plans to expand this production significantly through partnerships with countries like Russia, which aims to manufacture thousands of Iranian-designed drones domestically

Potential for Fighter Aircraft
While Iran has demonstrated impressive capabilities in drone technology, developing a fighter aircraft presents distinct challenges:

• Technological Hurdles: Creating a fighter jet requires advanced engineering, materials science, and aerodynamics that differ from drone technology. While Iran has made strides in reverse engineering and adapting foreign designs, building an entirely new fighter aircraft would require substantial investment and expertise.
• Historical Context: Iran's military aviation has historically relied on older U.S.-made aircraft, with sanctions limiting access to modern technologies. However, Iran's advancements in drone technology suggest a potential pathway for future developments in manned aircraft if they can adapt their existing knowledge.

Strategic Implications
The evolution of Iran's drone capabilities has significant implications for regional security dynamics:

• Power Projection: Drones allow Iran to project power beyond its borders without the need for extensive air force capabilities. This strategy has been effective in conflicts across the Middle East, where Iranian drones have been used by proxy groups against U.S. interests and allies
• Partnerships: Collaborations with countries like Russia enhance Iran's technological base and provide access to additional military resources. This partnership not only aids in drone production but could also facilitate knowledge transfer for developing advanced aircraft

Conclusion
While Iran's current focus on drones has yielded impressive results, transitioning to fighter aircraft development would require overcoming significant technical and logistical challenges. However, given their rapid advancements in drone technology and military partnerships, it is not outside the realm of possibility that Iran could eventually pursue this goal. The implications of such developments would likely reshape regional military balances and provoke responses from neighboring countries and global powers.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1856961472154272085

Another thing about drones is they can be used in air to air mode as well. Karrar drone for example although not stealthy is already air to air capable.

The advantage you don't need high performance or dogfight capability for air to air capable drones. They can be controlled from the ground stations or from other aircraft and they can launch bvr air to air missiles to incoming enemy aircraft and return back. They can be subsonic and have a lower turn rate than fighter aircraft but still do the job well enough.

Some examples:

this one has a piloted version as well:

Launching sidewinder, short range air to air missiles is easy. The missiles lock on by themselves and fire and forget.

For bvr launch the difficult part is the midcourse update phase of the air to air missile before it reaches the target and opens its own monopulse radar sensor. Midcourse update can be made by simpler guidance methods like command to line of sight guidance controlled by the radar of the aircraft.

Also since the drone has stealth features you dont need 120km range bvr air to air missile. Peregrine for example has a shorter range but is much smaller than amraam and is designed to fit in for drones as well.

It is good if the drone can carry missiles in its internal bays but it is not required since external enclosed weapons bay is another solution and wont increase the rcs of the aircraft too much.