Reports point to an unexpected 180-degree turn after betrayal by the Kremlin’s key ally over Russian fighter jets

Ties between China and Iran have strengthened following negotiations over the purchase of Chinese fighter jets to modernize Iran’s air fleet, a move that comes at the expense of the Russian aircraft Iran had previously been looking to acquire.

The Moscow Times has confirmed Tehran’s ongoing efforts to acquire J-10C multirole light fighter jets. The Chinese option is currently the most viable alternative for Iran, although no deliveries have been made yet. That is a change from the announcement in 2022 that Iran was looking to acquire Russian Su-35s.

The first attempt to acquire the J-10C dates back to 2015, but talks stalled. At the time, negotiations were hindered by a UN arms embargo on the Islamic Republic.

Plans for the sale of 150 fighter jets were also delayed by disagreements over payment. China proposed payment in foreign currency, while Iran sought to offset the cost with oil and gas.

After the lifting of restrictions in 2020, talks resumed with a proposal for 36 aircraft. However, as in previous attempts, negotiations eventually came to a halt.

Iran’s air force currently possesses 150 aircraft, mostly acquired prior to the 1979 Islamic Revolution. These include 64 F-4 Phantom IIs, 35 F-5E/F Tiger IIs, 41 F-14A Tomcats, and 18 MiG-29A/UBs. Most of these U.S.-made models are now outdated and largely non-operational.

F-14A Tomcat model

Several F-14s have been sighted in recent years, although incidents involving these aircraft have also been reported. In 2010, some units were upgraded, and it’s estimated that between 15 and 20 F-14A Tomcats remain in service.

Given the weakness of Iran’s air force, the country has relied heavily on its own surface-to-air missile systems. However, during the “Twelve-Day War,” Israel succeeded in neutralizing Iran’s air defenses, clearly exposing their shortcomings.

After nearly a decade of attempts to purchase Chinese fighter jets and in light of the current condition of its air capabilities, Tehran announced in 2022 its plan to acquire Russian Su-35s. Now, it appears Iran is once again turning toward China.