In an unusual and surprising development, senior military officials from Iran had the opportunity to closely observe Russia’s advanced Su-57 Felon stealth fighter. This encounter occurred when the fifth-generation fighter jet made a refueling stop at a military base in Bandar Abbas, Iran, while returning to Russia after its prominent appearance at Aero India 2025.

Footage of the Su-57, piloted by esteemed Russian test pilot Sergey Bogdan, taking off from the Bandar Abbas military air base post-refueling has gained significant traction on social media platforms. The Russian fighter was accompanied by a support team traveling in a military transport aircraft, following its participation in the Aero India 2025 event in Bengaluru.

The showcase also included the U.S.-made F-35 Lightning II, although the American fighter was restricted to a static display. During its stay in India, the Su-57 Felon captured the attention of aviation enthusiasts, demonstrating impressive aerial maneuvers and stealth features, while the F-35 remained stationary for exhibition purposes. Iranian military analysts noted that this marks the first instance of a Russian Su-57 landing in Iran.

The stealth fighter’s unexpected visit was prompted by the recent collapse of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, which rendered Russia’s Khmeimim Air Base in Syria unavailable for transit operations. Previously, Russian combat aircraft would utilize Khmeimim Air Base for refueling and resupply before proceeding to Russia or other locations. With this option no longer accessible, the Su-57 had to refuel in Iran, inadvertently providing Tehran with a unique opportunity to view Russia’s most advanced fighter jet up close.

The unexpected presence of the Su-57 in Iran coincides with Tehran’s anticipation of receiving Russian Su-35 fighter jets, a transaction that has drawn considerable international attention. While some sources indicate that Iran may have already taken delivery of its initial batch of Su-35s, officials in Iran have not disclosed specific information regarding the matter.

In a notable development, a senior figure from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has confirmed the acquisition of Sukhoi Su-35 (Flanker-E) fighters from Russia, marking a crucial advancement in the modernization of Iran’s outdated air force.

This confirmation was made by Ali Shamdani, Deputy Coordinator of Iran’s Khatam-ol-Anbia Central Headquarters, during an interview with the Student News Network, with the information subsequently reported by Reuters.

However, Shamdani did not specify the number of Su-35s received or confirm whether all units have been delivered. In November 2023, Iran’s Tasnim News Agency indicated that Tehran had completed preparations for the acquisition of Russian fighter jets, signaling a significant transformation in the region’s military dynamics. Recently, Defence Security Asia reported that Iran’s Su-35s are expected to officially enter service within the Iranian Air Force this year, according to sources shared by Iran Observer on the social media platform X.

The Sukhoi Su-35, a 4.5-generation multirole fighter, is poised to enhance Iran’s air combat capabilities significantly, providing a much-needed upgrade to an air force that has suffered from years of sanctions.

At present, the most advanced aircraft in Iran’s Air Force are the MiG-29s, which were acquired many years ago, along with aging American-made F-4 Phantoms and F-14 Tomcats, which were purchased prior to the 1979 Iranian Revolution during the Shah’s regime.

According to the German aviation magazine Flugrevue, Iran took delivery of its first two Sukhoi Su-35SE fighter jets on November 18, 2023. The report indicates that the aircraft were transferred during a low-profile ceremony at the Komsomolsk-on-Amur (KnAAPO) manufacturing facility located in Russia’s Far East. To maintain secrecy, the two Su-35s were disassembled into multiple components and transported via a Russian Air Force Antonov An-124-100 strategic airlifter to Mehrabad Airport in Tehran.

Once they arrived, the aircraft were relocated to an Iranian Air Force base in Hamadan, where they were reassembled and readied for operational deployment—signifying Iran’s inaugural acquisition of a 4.5-generation fighter jet. Reports indicate that Iran intends to replace its F-14 Tomcats, currently based in Isfahan, with the Su-35SE.

While earlier reports suggested a total of 24 Su-35s, recent intelligence indicates that Iran may ultimately receive as many as 50 units, positioning it as one of the largest operators of the Su-35 outside of Russia. The introduction of these advanced fighter jets is anticipated to transform Iran’s aerial combat strategy, significantly enhancing its air defense capabilities in light of escalating tensions in the Middle East.