Iranian Air Force (IRIAF) News & Discussion

[contedicavour]

Show news paris 2007 suggested that iran might be close to a 250 Sukhoi order with Russia. If indeed that might be the case it will change the whole face of iranian air force from a second string minor league Air Force to a highly capable and lethal power. IMO iran should go for deals like these with their pilots getting trained in russia instead of going for the local industry since it will take time to mature up and iran does not seem to have all that much of time as BUSH administration is thriving to solve the issue and take this victory with them as they depart in 2008 presidential elections.

If Putin decides to get really mad at the US administration over the ATBM defense sites in Eastern Europe then selling a considerable number of Flankers to Iran is probably top of the list since it would bring in money and anger the US mightily. However then Russia would lose any remaining credibility when requesting a stop to Iran's nuclear programme... and it remains in Russia's interest to stop nuclear escalation to preserve its role as superpower thanks to its nuclear arsenal.

cheers

 

[rabirizvi]

If Putin decides to get really mad at the US administration over the ATBM defense sites in Eastern Europe then selling a considerable number of Flankers to Iran is probably top of the list since it would bring in money and anger the US mightily. However then Russia would lose any remaining credibility when requesting a stop to Iran's nuclear programme... and it remains in Russia's interest to stop nuclear escalation to preserve its role as superpower thanks to its nuclear arsenal.

cheers

On the other hand if they sell the jets, they'll buy more influence in iran. iran also needs support from where ever she can get against any future UN sanctions or even worse Millitary use by US.I think if russia plays smart she can get money & stop iran to pursue any ambitions with respect to Nuclear weapons. Thus making sure russia profits even from the worst condition possible in the region

 

[SABRE]

​

Iran buys Israeli fighter jets

20:00 | 23/ 10/ 2007
Iran has signed a contract with China for the delivery of two squadrons of J-10 fighter planes. The design was developed by Israel for its Air Force and then sold to Beijing. Engines for the jets will be supplied by Russia.

Representatives of the Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industrial Company said China would deliver the total (24 jets) in 2008-2010. Experts, estimating one fighter at $40 million, put the contract's value at $1 billion.

The maximum range of the J-10 with detachable fuel tanks is 2,940 km. In this way, Iran will be able not only to fly over the Persian Gulf, but also theoretically venture as far as Israel and come back to base. Until now, Iran's longest-reach fighters have been Russian-made MiG-29s (Fulcrum), whose maximum range is 2,100 km. Experts, however, do not think the two squadrons of J-10s will substantially alter the balance of force in the region.

"The American military has far more planes of more advanced types in the Persian Gulf area," said Konstantin Makiyenko, an analyst with the Center for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies.

"A more likely opponent of Shia Iran is Sunni Saudi Arabia. But even Saudi Arabia, thanks to American assistance, has a more powerful air force than Iran," he added.

In the expert's view, Iran will most likely use J-10s to protect key facilities, such as the nuclear power plant at Bushehr. Besides, the very presence of J-10 jets could act as a deterrent, said Makiyenko: the fighters can theoretically scuttle any Israeli strike at facilities which Israel may believe are manufacturing weapons of mass destruction.

Experts say that in mid-2007 the Chinese Air Force had a complement of 89 J-10s. According to unofficial reports, China had intended to build 120 such fighters for its needs. As a propulsion unit the J-10 uses the Russian AL-31FN engine, an upgraded version of the AL-31F turbojet widely employed on Su-27 (Flanker) fighter planes. In July 2005, China concluded a contract with arms export monopoly Rosoboronexport for the supply within the next two years of 100 AL-31FN engines from Moscow's Salyut plant with an option on another 100 engines. In the summer of 2007, China exercised its option by signing a new contract for another 100 AL-31FN engines to be supplied within the next two years.

http://en.rian.ru/analysis/20071023/85174001.html
​

It is unconfirmed report so treat it accordingly.
​