Russia's SU-35 Could Ease Out Cheaper Chinese Fighters in Iranian Purchase

Tehran is looking at the Russian Su-35 as its next but faces competition from cheaper Chinese fighters that might have an edge too. Another reason is that Iran has a deal with Russia for drones and missiles that is a win-win; there is nothing to pay, just a tech exchange.

Su-35 Flanker-E makes the US cringe

Throughout early September, commander Brigadier General Hamid Vahedi of the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF) affirmed that Iran had been focused on the Su-35.

Nevertheless, the discourse is underway, as Iran is already intent on buying another Russian fighter, the Su-30 Flanker-C, for over a decade before the shortlisting of the Su-35.

According to sources, two other options being discussed "on the table" in Tehran are purchasing a Chinese J-10C or a Pakistani JF-17 Block 3, reported Bulgaria Military.

Is the Chinese J-10C Better?

We must scrutinize why the other two fighters are all still up for sale if Tehran is much more likely to invest in the Su-35. China can make deliveries in the fastest time. One instance is Pakistan. Islamabad requested 36 units, and China mentioned that all would be supplied within 18 months, as the J-10C is considered a more advanced fighter than the Su-35, at least on paper.

With cheaper operational and maintenance costs for the same money, Iran could use more of these units J-10C. The J-10C has many sensors, a tall airframe, a thrust vectoring option, networking options, and excellent armaments.

The Ukraine conflict and Russia's need for weapons are the Su-35's only benefits, not its inherent qualities as an aircraft. Because it is unknown what will happen in Europe in the coming months, Russia may be compelled to participate in a full barter with the Su-35 for weapons.

JF-17 Block 3 Is a Budget Option

At first glance, it is possible to argue that the Pakistan-China JF-17 Block 3 is a cheaper alternative, per The Diplomat.

It indeed lags behind its older Chinese brother, the J-10C, and the Russian frontrunner for the Iranian Air Force Su-35 in terms of speed and sensor hardware, according to Air Force Technology.

Compared to the F-35, the J-10C is presumed to be the fastest-produced fighter. Some experts believe that the JF-17, with its advanced avionics and weaponry, can compete with and defeat the F-15 and F-16. This is a fantastic option that allows for the conception and increases the combat capability of Iran's current F-4 and F-5 squadrons.

Truthfully, the purchase can pay off, which would be a consequence in the world today with just about any aircraft.

If Iran did not have a wide range of options for purchasing combat aircraft at the start of the arms embargo, the situation today would be drastically different. Will Iran renew its aviation on a larger scale, or will it only purchase one aircraft type? This question has already been raised.

So far, the Su-35 Flanker E is the focus, but Iran could get a cheaper Chinese fighter as another buy.