A delivery in this timeframe could prove highly significant since it coincides with the highest tensions between Israel and the Islamic Republic since the latter’s inception.
Given that Iran paid for them years ago and is now in a bit more of a tense situation than usual, I have a feeling Iran is saying to Russia that they’d better deliver or they’ll stop selling stuff to Russia. Iran will be fine if Russia loses to Ukraine, so they can afford to make that threat
This seems good all around to me. Russia has fewer planes to attack Ukraine and Israel ends up focusing more of its resources on the Iranian military instead of Gazan civilians. A bit of a “why don’t you pick on someone your own size” situation.
The Iranians have been churning out literal thousands of Shahed drones for Russia to shoot into Ukraine. I’m pretty sure this was the other half of the deal they made.
Russia’s share of the global arms export market was in a gradual decline before Ukraine, and it’s been in a virtual freefall post invasion.
This is the kind of PR they need for the long term financial survival of their big ticket weapons programs. So whether they can spare these planes militarily, might be a secondary consideration behind financial longevity concerns.
Kinda surprised the Russians have any to spare.
Given that Iran paid for them years ago and is now in a bit more of a tense situation than usual, I have a feeling Iran is saying to Russia that they’d better deliver or they’ll stop selling stuff to Russia. Iran will be fine if Russia loses to Ukraine, so they can afford to make that threat
This seems good all around to me. Russia has fewer planes to attack Ukraine and Israel ends up focusing more of its resources on the Iranian military instead of Gazan civilians. A bit of a “why don’t you pick on someone your own size” situation.
I was going to say the same thing. Maybe these are the especially shitty jets that are even shittier than their normal shitty jets?
The Iranians have been churning out literal thousands of Shahed drones for Russia to shoot into Ukraine. I’m pretty sure this was the other half of the deal they made.
Russia’s share of the global arms export market was in a gradual decline before Ukraine, and it’s been in a virtual freefall post invasion.
This is the kind of PR they need for the long term financial survival of their big ticket weapons programs. So whether they can spare these planes militarily, might be a secondary consideration behind financial longevity concerns.
Maybe Iran mentioned their next Shehed shipment would have to wait until the jets got there.
Jets are not a winning strategy in Ukraine. Only grinding it out can achieve anything.
Hope the recent aid puts another nail into that strategy.
What do you think the primary purpose of multirole fighers has been in the Ukraine war?
They’re primarily used as long range tactical and strategic bombing platforms, which is pretty important in a war of attrition.