Iranian Su-35 Fighter Deal With Russia Could Prompt Gulf Defense Rethink | Aviation International News

Dubai Airshow 2023

Iranian Su-35 Fighter Deal Could Prompt Gulf Defense Rethink

Gulf states' adversary is reported to be shopping for 24 new generation Russian combat jets

Houthi missile, rocket and drone attacks in the Gulf region — Missile and drone threats from Iran-backed Houthi rebel forces have been a big driver of Gulf states' spending on air defense systems. (Image: Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project)

By Reuben F. Johnson

November 9, 2023

At a time of exceptionally heightened global security tensions, Iran might be on the cusp of a historic acquisition of Russia’s Sukhoi Su-35 Super Flanker fighter. The anticipated deal could immediately affect defense planning among other Gulf states that have long viewed their neighbor as a primary threat.

For almost two decades the UAE and other Gulf states have optimized their defenses to mainly shield against missile and suicide drone attacks, such as those from rebel Houthi forces in Yemen. With both Iran’s Air Force (IRIAF) and the aviation wing of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps operating aircraft of designs that are between 35 to 50 years old, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait have all had less reason for concern about Iranian air power.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

RVA Summit Bringing Packed Agenda, Honoring Legacy

Summit is first solely under the purview of RVA

Rolland Vincent, JetNet

Honda Aircraft Prepares for Echelon First Flight

Company has delayed program but reports progress on manufacturing

HondaJet Echelon mockup

Saab Rolls Out Sweden’s First S106 GlobalEye

Air force AEW&C on schedule for delivery in 2027

Light grey GlobalEye on tarmac seen from above

Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen2 Making NBAA-BACE Debut

Ascend, Latitude, and Longitude join it on the ramp

Making its NBAA-BACE debut, the Cessna Citation CJ3 Gen2 combines proven Citation performance with customer-driven enhancements, including Garmin autothrottles, increased pilot legroom and a fully customizable cabin environment.

Lear Jet Restoration Group Marks Work on S/N 23-003

With the aircraft’s wing showing corrosion, the group acquired a replacement

Lear 23-003 Disassembled in hangar

French Air Force PC-7 MKX Trainer Makes First Flight

Test campaign commences from Pilatus’ Swiss headquarters

Pilatus PC-7 MKX basic training aircraft

Comac Grows C929 Supply Chain As Design Work Continues

China's 290-seat intercontinental airliner will not enter service until the mid-2030s

Comac C929 airliner model

Saab Planning Potential GlobalEye Production in Canada

New line could help support growing global demand for surveillance aircraft

Article preview image