Click to see full-size image. Via Twitter.
On September 2, Iran received advanced Yak-130 training and light combat jets from Russia, according to Iranian media reports.
At least two Yak-130 were reportedly delivered. Video footage that surfaced on social media showed one of the jets landing at what was said to be Tactical Air Base 8 of the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF) near the central city of Isfahan.
The delivery marks the first time new jets entered service with the IRIAF since the 1990s, when Iran received a few MiG-29s from Russia.
The Yak-130 was originally designed by Yakovlev for training missions. As an advanced trainer, the jet is able to replicate the characteristics of several fourth-generation and fifth-generation fighters. The jet can also perform light-attack and reconnaissance duties with a combat load of 3,000 kg.
In April, Iran announced that it had finalized a deal to buy Su-35 fighter jets from Russia. Under the deal, the IRIAF is supposed to receive 24 Su-35s which were originally built for Egypt as a part of a contract that was thwarted by the United States.
Later reports said that the Russian-Iranian deal fell apart. However, the delivery of Yak-130, which can be used for training on the Su-35, suggests that the deal is still alive.
Military cooperation between Iran and Russia has been reportedly growing since the start of the special operation in Ukraine last year. The United States and its allies claim that Iran supplied Russia with hundreds of suicide and combat drones for use against Kiev forces. However, both Moscow and Tehran deny this.
The delivery of the Yak-130 jets could lead to tensions with Israel, who could escalate its covert war against Iran and boost military cooperation with Ukraine.
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