According to several sources, 40 Iranian pilots have traveled to Russia to undergo training on Russian Su-35 fighter jets. The move marks a major expansion of military cooperation between Tehran and Moscow, according to a social media post.

The deployment of pilots to Russia is part of an earlier deal between the two countries that includes the transfer of modern Russian combat aircraft to Iran. The Su-35 is a fourth-generation multirole fighter with elements of the fifth generation, which is highly maneuverable and capable of striking air and ground targets. For Iran, modernizing its air force, including receiving such advanced aircraft, is a priority, especially against the backdrop of growing threats in the Middle East.

There are no official comments from Moscow on this matter yet.