Iran will become the largest buyer of Russian Su-57 fighters.

According to media reports, Iran is considering acquiring the largest batch of Russian fifth-generation fighter aircraft, the Su-57. We are talking about 46 combat aircraft, from which a special squadron will be formed.

“Perhaps the only exported fighter that can provide the capabilities Iran needs is the new-generation Russian Su-57 fighter, which entered serial production in July 2019 and is currently sold to customers around the world. The acquisition of a small number of elite fighters, possibly combined with the cancellation of several old squadrons, could provide Iran with the most cost-effective means to modernize its air combat capabilities. Such an approach would be far from unprecedented. "Russia and Vietnam have reduced the size of their fighters after the Cold War due to budgetary constraints, but have invested in a small number of elite fighters providing air superiority to provide a qualitative deterrent rather than a quantitative one.", - said in the article "Bulgarian Military".

It should be clarified that Tehran itself does not confirm, but does not refute, the acquisition of Russian combat aircraft, while experts do not exclude that, in fact, a contract between Iran and Russia has already been concluded, and the first aircraft can begin to be delivered to this country already in near time. Nevertheless, it should be clarified that in reality, information on the acquisition of 46 aircraft raises some doubts, however, it is obvious that we are talking about a fairly large batch of Russian fighters.