In an attempt to rejuvenate its air force, Iran said it had received Russian MIG-29 fighter jets, marking the beginning of a military upgrade that may include advanced aircraft and air defense systems.

Abolfazl Zohrevand, a member of the country’s National Security Committee, said the fighter aircraft, which are currently based in Shiraz, are a “short-term solution”, while Tehran awaits the arrival of more sophisticated Sukhoi fighter fighters.

The announcement, made through the Iranian Dideban news website, comes amid a wider influx of Russian and Chinese military equipment into the Islamic Republic. Along with the MIG-29, Zohrevant said that Tehran would acquire Russian S-400 Air Defense Systems and Chinese Air Defense Systems HQ-9, Jerusalem Post notes.

“As soon as these systems are fully put into operation, our enemies will understand the language of power,” he said.

Tehran’s urgent need

Tehran faces vulnerabilities in its air defense and aviation after Israeli attacks during Rising Lion, which destroyed the S-300s and F-14, F-5 and AH-1 aircraft.

Iran’s Air Defense Network includes Russian-made S-300 PMU2 rockets, Domestic BAVAR-373 soil-air-to-air missiles, Khordad and Sayyad soil-air rockets, long-range rockets, Ghareh.

MIG-29, fourth generation fighters, are not the most advanced in Russia’s arsenal, but represent a significant upgrade for Iran’s aging fleet, which consists mainly of US aircraft before 1979.

Their arrival emphasizes Tehran’s urgent need to enhance its airlines in the midst of high regional tensions.

In November 2023, Iran’s Deputy Minister of Defense, General Mahdi Farahi, confirmed the acquisition of Russian Mi-28 helicopters, SU-35 aircraft and YAK-130 Battle Education aircraft. In January 2025, IRGC’s General Ali Shadmani publicly recognized the arrival of the Su-35, though Moscow remained silent, with Kremlin’s spokesman Nmri Peskov refusing to comment. In July, Iranian media reported that Tehran would receive long -range radar and advanced electronic warfare equipment from Beijing.

They could change the balances

Israeli officials have long warned that the transfer of advanced Russian systems to Iran could change strategic balance in the region. The Su-35, in particular, is regarded as an aircraft that changes data due to its upper radar, electronic flight systems and its flexibility.

While the Israeli army maintains air superiority through fighters such as the F-35i Adir, the introduction of Russian aircraft into the Iranian Armed Forces could complicate future operational planning.