Defense Chief Says Purchase of Russian Fighter Jets on Agenda

Defense Minister Hossein Dehqan said on Saturday Moscow has accepted Tehran's terms on "joint investment and supply of technology" for the purchase of Russian-made Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets.

Speaking to reporters in Tehran, Dehqan said the Defense Ministry has put the purchase of Su-30 fighter aircraft from Russia on its agenda, according to Tasnim News Agency.

However, any purchase of the military planes from Russia should include transfer of technology and joint investment, he underlined, saying Moscow has agreed to the conditions.

Asked about plans to again let the Russian Air Force use Nojeh Air Base in western province of Hamedan, Dehqan said Iran and its friends, including Russia, work in cooperation to help the Syrian government in the fight against terrorism.

If necessary, he noted, Iran will once again allow Russian jets to fly from the key Hamedan air base.

He said in order to fulfill its defense needs, Iran will hold talks with any country capable of meeting its demands, except with the US and Israel.

In February, the defense minister had announced plans for a contract with Russia on the purchase of Sukhoi-30 jets, but had not specified how many fighter planes would be bought.

Dehqan had said then that under an agreement, Iran would be involved in the production of the aircraft.

Iran needs to "seriously focus on its air force and fighter planes," he said at the time. "We are moving toward a contract. We told them that we need to be involved in the production as well."