Russia could supply fighter jets to Iran, significantly improving the Iranian air force and its aging stable of aircraft. The reports that Moscow could be considering this unprecedented move came last week as Iran tensions with the US, Israel and the region are peaking.

In addition, it came a year after Russia invaded Ukraine. Russia has received drones from Iran - might Russia be paying Iran “in kind” for the drones, by sending some old fighter jets? 

US warnings came true.

US warnings about Russia’s moves and Iran-Russia ties in the past have been borne out. Thus, reports that Moscow might provide Iran with jets are worth taking seriously.

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said that Tehran had sent munitions to Russia last year. “We believe Russia might provide Iran unprecedented defense cooperation, including missiles, electronics and air defense. We believe that Russia might provide Iran with fighter jets,” Kirby said in a call that was widely reported.  

What else might Moscow put on its list of provisions to Tehran? It could send helicopters, radars and training aircraft. “We were concerned it was going to go both ways, and those concerns are certainly being realized,” Kirby said.

Russian Pantsir-S anti-aircraft missile and gun systems drive during a rehearsal for the Victory Day parade, which marks the anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two, in Red Square in central Moscow, Russia May 7, 2021. (Credit: MAXIM SHEMETOV/REUTERS)

Russia has supplied jets to other countries. Back in 2013 reports said that Russia was discussing providing Syria, a key ally of Moscow, with MiG-29 M/M2 fighter jets. That jet is an advanced version of the MiG-29 twin-engine aircraft that has been operating with the Russian and previously Soviet air force since the 1980s. Russia had also discussed sending the Yak-130 combat trainer to Syria. Both of these would be relevant for Iran.