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Iranian Air Force

The Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF) is the primary aerial warfare branch of the Iranian military, currently undergoing a critical modernization phase through strategic cooperation with Russia while maintaining a legacy fleet of Western and Soviet-era aircraft.

The Zioneer Intelligence Desk
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The Iranian Air Force (IRIAF) remains a complex component of Iran's national security architecture, balancing aging airframes with emerging strategic partnerships. Historically reliant on pre-1979 American technology—including F-14 Tomcats, F-4 Phantoms, and F-5 Tigers—the force has spent decades focusing on low-flying survivability and asymmetric 'sneak attack' tactics to compensate for its technological gap against modern Western-aligned air forces. This operational doctrine was observed during recent regional escalations, where Iranian F-5s reportedly engaged in offensive sorties against regional targets.

As of mid-2026, the IRIAF is at a pivot point. The force is transitioning toward Russian-made hardware to replace its legacy fleet. Reports indicate that Russia has completed the production of 20 Su-35 'Flanker-E' fighter jets destined for Iran. However, the delivery of these advanced platforms has faced significant delays. While the aircraft are currently being maintained and stored in Russia at the expense of the Iranian Ministry of Defense, their arrival in Iran is not expected until late 2026. A primary factor cited for this delay is the degradation of Iranian ground infrastructure, specifically damage to the Hamadan air base, which is slated to host the new squadron.

Despite its aging hardware, the IRIAF maintains a high state of readiness and works in tandem with Iran's integrated air defense network. During periods of direct friction with Israel and the United States, such as the 'Twelve-Day War' of 2025 and subsequent skirmishes in early 2026, the IRIAF has demonstrated the ability to shutter national airspace and conduct persistent patrols over major cities like Tehran and provinces such as Lorestan. The integration of Su-35s is expected to significantly enhance Iran's ability to contest its own airspace, though the force currently remains outmatched by the fifth-generation capabilities of the Israeli Air Force.

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