Iran in talks with Russia to purchase Su-30 fighter jets

Iran's Defense Minister Brigadier General Hossein Dehqan said Saturday that Iran is in negotiations with Russia to purchase Su-30 fighter jets, Tasnim news agency reported.

However, any purchase of the military planes from Russia should include receiving the technology as well, Dehqan said.

Moscow has accepted Tehran's terms in the negotiations on "joint investment and supplying technology" besides selling Su-30 fighter jets, he pointed out.

On Wednesday, the second-in-command of the Iranian Army said that Iran plans to purchase more fighter jets to boost the country's air defense capabilities.

Talks are underway on the purchase of new aircraft, Brigadier General Ahmad Reza Pourdastan, said but he did not provide details as to what type of aircraft or from which country the fighter jets would be purchased.

In the meantime, the fighter jets of Iran's Air Force "have been overhauled and are ready to defend the country and counter any threats," the commander added.

Earlier this month, Iran held an international aviation exhibition in the southern Kish Island to display the latest developments in the aircraft and aviation industry.

Iran deployed its MiG-29 and home-made Saeqeh fighter jets to Kish Island in addition to other types of warplanes, including F-4, F-14 and F-1.

Major international aircraft manufacturers, including Airbus, as well as spare parts manufacturing companies attended the show.

Furthermore, both the Russian Knights Acrojet team and the Latvian Baltic Bees team displayed their capabilities during the air show. Endit