Iran Reportedly Prepares for War with New Fighter Jets Deployment

Post by : Saif Nasser

Iran is reportedly gearing up for heightened conflict readiness by focusing on strengthening its air force with more capable combat aircraft amid ongoing regional tensions and the threat of wider war. Recent reports and military assessments indicate Tehran’s long-term efforts to modernise its aerial combat capabilities, including the potential arrival of advanced fighter jets from abroad and the deployment of locally developed aircraft.

One of the central elements of this buildup involves a controversial agreement between Tehran and Moscow for the supply of Russian Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets — highly capable multi-role aircraft that would represent a marked upgrade over Iran’s largely ageing fleet. Although exact delivery details remain uncertain, some sources close to the Iranian Air Force suggested that around 16 Su-35 jets could enter service soon at bases such as Hamadan, with pilots already undergoing training.

Iran’s current combat aircraft mix includes older models such as the F-4 Phantom II and F-5 Tiger II, which have been in service for decades but lack the advanced avionics and performance of modern fourth- and fifth-generation fighters. These ageing jets have already been targeted and hit in recent strikes, including operations by Israeli forces aimed at degrading Iran’s air capability.

In addition to foreign acquisitions, Iran continues to maintain and develop its own aircraft. Indigenous fighters like the HESA Kowsar, a domestically produced jet based on older designs, are in limited service and are part of Tehran’s effort to build self-reliant defence industries. Training aircraft such as the HESA Yasin also support pilot preparation, though they are primarily designed for training and light attack roles rather than high-end air superiority missions.

The push to modernise Iran’s air force comes as the country faces sustained pressure from adversaries and ongoing military operations directed at its territory and strategic assets. Observers say that improving aerial capabilities — whether through imported jets or enhanced indigenous production — is part of Tehran’s broader strategy to deter attacks and project power regionally. However, acquiring and operating advanced fighter jets under international sanctions and logistical constraints presents significant challenges for Iranian forces.

As military preparedness increases, analysts warn that the introduction of more advanced jets could shift tactical calculations across the region, potentially affecting deterrence postures and engagement strategies of neighbouring states and their allies. The coming months may reveal whether these new fighter jets enter full operational service and how they influence Iran’s military posture in an increasingly volatile environment.

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