After the Su-35s, Iran would be interested in Russian combat ships

Reports of an extended defense agreement between Tehran and Moscow have been constantly appearing in recent days, in particular regarding the acquisition of no less than 20.000 Iranian-designed drones and ballistic missiles by Russia in order to strengthen strike capabilities against Ukraine and its infrastructure. At the same time, Tehran would have obtained from its now partner and ally, agreements concerning the acquisition of very advanced military equipment, like the 24 Su-35s originally built for Egypt, but never delivered. The growing isolation of the two countries on the world stage is indeed a particularly favorable framework for a rapprochement between these two regional powers, both of which are also subject to severe Western and international sanctions.

This cooperation could go far beyond the acquisition of a squadron of modern Su-35s fighter planes. In effect, according to several concordant Israeli sources quoted by the Breaking Defense website, it would seem that Tehran has approached Moscow in order to acquire new combat ships, as Russian shipbuilding has made immense qualitative and productive progress in recent years. According to the American site, it would be a question, for Iran, of ordering military ships of undetermined models which would be built directly by Russian shipyards, and not through a transfer of technologies, ships which would carry, on the other hand, Iranian missiles and drones, at least for the areas for which the Iranian offer is effective.

The potential delivery of Russian military vessels to Iran, whether to the Iranian Navy or the Revolutionary Guards naval forces, could significantly change the balance of power that determines the status quo in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf. from Oman. Today, the Iranian Navy aligns only 7 light frigates and 3 corvettes, as well as 3 Kilo-type submarines generally considered incapable of carrying out military operations. Most of its naval offensive capabilities are based on a fleet of light missile launchers and fast patrol boats capable of using air and naval drones but devoid of offshore capabilities, as well as numerous coastal defense batteries equipped with missiles. Kowsar, Nasr-1, Noor or others, covering a wide band up to 150 km from the coast.

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