Leaked documents reveal a classified Iranian appeal for 48 Russian Su-35 fighter jets

According to informed sources, Iran is reportedly seeking to purchase 46 Russian Su-35 fighter jets, valued over $7 billion. However, neither Moscow nor Tehran have confirmed or denied the purchase.

The Leaked Rostec Files

The leaked documents – released online by a hacker group called Black Mirror – include over 300 internal Rostec files outlining export contracts, pricing, and delivery timelines. It suggested that Tehran is planning to receive the Russian jets, equipped with advanced electronic warfare systems and avionics packages developed by KRET, a major Rostec subsidiary. The intended first aircraft could arrive by 2026, while the final one by 2028.

The Su-35 is among Russia’s most advanced fighter jets and competes with top Western jets like the F-15E Strike Eagle, F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, and Eurofighter Typhoon.

Russian and Iranian Defense Partnership

Russia and Iran have been staunch allies for the past couple years. Both countries are members of BRICS (with Russia being a founding member and Iran joining recently in 2024 as the bloc significantly expanded).

Moreover, Moscow and Tehran signed the 20-year Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty in early 2025, which covers all areas (from trade and military cooperation to science, education and culture). While the treaty obliges each country not to offer any military or any other aid to an aggressor attacking another party, it does not envisage mutual assistance in case of aggression (which explains why Russia refrained from intervening military when Iran was targeted by both Israel and the United States).

The two countries’ partnership stems from their commitment and ambition to defy Western dominance at the international and regional levels, charting their own independent (and even conflicting) course, to enhance and advance their national interests and influence.

The Importance of Iran’s Secret Purchase

Firstly, the purchase brings significant benefits to Russia. As its global arms exports have witnessed an intense drop by 92% between 2021 and 2024, due to western sanctions amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, Moscow is heavily reliant on its allies (such as Iran, China and North Korea) to maintain its arms export revenue.

As for Iran, the country is keen on modernizing and upgrading its military defense capabilities, including its air force, following its devastating 12-day war with Israel. Amid an anticipated renewal of the armed conflict with Israel, Tehran is posed to fill the gaps in its military and security apparatus, which were clearly revealed in the last confrontation.