Iran To Acquire Su-35s, S-400 Defense System Threatening Israeli Military

Iran asked for an additional S-400 defense with Su-35 jets, which the Israeli military sees as an alarming development. These surface-to-air missile batteries could attack UAVs and several kinds of missiles reaching the terminal stage of their trajectory. Several nations like China, India, and Turkey have praised the Russian system.

S-400 Defense Bothers Israeli Military

On March 2, Tehran asking for an advanced S-400 would be disastrous. Russia was silent concerning the report, but it can be ready two years from now when it's delivered, Jerusalem Post reported.

It was disclosed that concerned individuals in Israel and US are considering attacking before these systems are active, preferring to risk a provocative assault than losing units later on, per Bloomberg.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu added a grave opinion during a security summit in Tel Aviv a week ago. He indicated waiting will make it difficult, and the Israelis have waited too long. He assured everyone that he would keep Tehran from using refined Uranium in nuclear weapons, reported Eurasian Times.

Improvements to the Bavar-373 were mentioned last November, which can intercept as far as 400 to 450 kilometers maximum. The consensus is that Tehran will lay out a deep air defense network to counter any Israeli attack on nuclear facilities. It worried the US and Israel that it would become powerless if any strikes were negated.

Another Russian-made anti-air defense is the older S-300 in the Iranian arsenal. Moscow's ambassador to Iran suggests that the newer system might be in Iran by 2020. But Tehran has its Bavar-373 air defense which is the local version of the Russian system.

Iran's Advantage with Su-35 Jets

A Middle East expert, Seth Frantzman, stated that if the system reaches Tehran, that will take time. This includes training needed to be proficient in these systems and delivery schedules. He said that the system wouldn't be sent any sooner. Citing that Moscow said it would give Syria the older S-300, which has not allegedly worked well in deterring the Israeli forces, makes sending advance SAM batteries to Iran not likely.

Frantzman further stated that the Moscow-Tehran partnership would bring a curveball to the Middle East that has impacted the Russo-Ukraine war. The kamikaze drones terrorized Kyiv as another example of mutual support. Since Russia needs it most on hand, sending arms when the Ukraine conflict rages will not see an exodus of weapons yet.

Iranian Air Force Could Operate With Collateral Damage

Indicators are unsuitable for Jerusalem if a strike is intended to knock out Tehran's nuclear agenda if the advanced batteries are erected sooner. Should the S-400 be sent in 2023, that would be in 2025, that will be ready and fully operational.

In December 2022, rumors said that Moscow might make a deal for the advanced air defense system as both nations have closer ties. Another is that Su-35 modernized Flankers are on the way to Tehran.

Getting an S-400 defense will frustrate the Israeli military with the Su-35 that might be Iran soon. Jerusalem and Washington see complications in attacking nuclear facilities as Russia arms Tehran.