Iran's Air Force Modernizes with Su-35 Amid Legacy F-14 and MiG-29 Operations

Iran's air force continues to operate legacy aircraft like the US-made F-14 Tomcat and Soviet-era MiG-29 jets, maintained through cannibalization and limited local upgrades amid sanctions. The recent acquisition of Russian Su-35 fighters introduces modern avionics and reliability, enhancing Iran's regional air defense capabilities. While Iran's older jets lack stealth and advanced sensors compared to US fifth-generation fighters, the Su-35s present a more formidable challenge to US and allied air operations in the Middle East.