Iranian Air Force. Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force
The armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran (IRI) have two independent components - the Army and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), each of which has its own types of armed forces: ground forces, air force and navy. That's why air Force Iran is represented in both the Army and the IRGC.
IRAN ARMY AIR FORCE
Objectives and organizational structure
The Air Force of the Iranian Army is an independent branch of the armed forces. They also include forces air defense countries. Number personnel The Army Air Force exceeds 85 thousand people.
According to the views of the country's military leadership, the main purpose of the Army Air Force is the readiness to solve the following tasks independently or in cooperation with other types of armed forces:
- gaining air supremacy;
- defense of administrative and political centers, troop groups and important military installations from air attacks;
- striking at enemy ground, air and naval forces, military and economic targets;
- rendering direct support ground forces and navy;
- conducting aerial reconnaissance;
- ejection airborne assaults behind enemy lines;
- transport of troops and military cargo by air.
The Air Force of the Iranian Army is armed with aircraft, helicopters, anti-aircraft missile systems (SAM) and anti-aircraft artillery installations. IN combat strength There are units and units of fighter-bomber, fighter, reconnaissance and auxiliary aviation, as well as anti-aircraft missile, anti-aircraft artillery, radio engineering and logistics troops.
This branch of the Armed Forces is headed by a commander who reports to the Chief of the Joint Staff of the Army and through him to the Chief of the General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces and the Supreme Commander-in-Chief (SHC). He bears full responsibility to the latter for maintaining the combat effectiveness and combat readiness of formations and units of the branch of the armed forces subordinate to him, the development and implementation of plans for operational and combat use troops, organizing and conducting operational and combat training, as well as personnel training. The commander organizes the logistics of formations and units.
Leadership and control of troops in Peaceful time the commander carries out through his apparatus, including deputies, the secretariat, the Air Force headquarters and administrative commands, and in the military - through the Air Force headquarters and headquarters operational commands, which begin to function from the moment the troops are brought to full combat readiness and the operational deployment of the country's armed forces.
The Army Air Force Headquarters is the primary administrative and operational control authority for both Air Force and Air Defense units. He is entrusted with planning functions combat use, daily and combat activities of troops and their logistics.
The headquarters consists of directorates and departments. He directly supervises the subordinate commands - aviation, air defense, radio and electronic intelligence, communications, providing the central garrison, logistics and training.
Commands lead daily activities formations, units and subunits of the air force of the PRI Army.
Combat composition
According to the foreign military press, the Army Air Force operates 13 air bases, including 11 fighter (IAB) and two separate transport (OTAB), which host up to 25 squadrons of combat aviation, 12 auxiliary, two helicopter, and up to 10 detachments communications and control aircraft (helicopters) and the same number of search and rescue helicopter units.
The Army Air Force units are armed with: 250-300 combat aircraft, including 25-30 Su-24 bombers; 60-65 F-14A Tomcat fighters, 55-60 F-4D and E Phantom, 50-60 F-5E Tiger, 25-30 F-7 (made in China), 30-35 MiG-29 , up to 10 reconnaissance aircraft RF-4 and RF-5.
According to foreign experts, due to the lack of spare parts and due to moral and physical obsolescence, only a little more than 70% of the aircraft are in combat service, including 50% F-4, 60% F-5 and 40% F-14.
Auxiliary aviation (about 10 units) is represented by C-130E Hercules transport aircraft (about 40 aircraft), Il-76 (10) and F-27 Friendship (10); Boeing 747 (eight); Boeing 707 transport and refueling aircraft (more than 10); F-33 communications aircraft (over 20); training (RS-7 and L-20, about 20 vehicles in total).
The Iranian Army Air Force is also armed with helicopters of various types (more than 40 Alouette-2, AV-205, and N-1, AV-214, etc.).
Basing
The Iranian Army Air Force group is located mainly in the northwestern, western, central and southern parts of the country. In accordance with the tasks and deployment, the forces and assets of Iran’s combat aviation are distributed across three operational zones (commands): “North-West” (headquarters in Tabriz), “West” (Kermanshah) and “South” (Ahwaz).
The basis of the existing organizational structure of aviation formations and units of the Iranian Army Air Force was created in the 1960s under the direct influence and control of American military advisers and specialists. Over the following years, the Iranian command, without changing the principles of the organizational structure, made some additions to it, aimed mainly at increasing combat potential connections and parts.
Fighter air base(IAB) is the main tactical aviation unit of the Iranian Army Air Force, which includes control, headquarters, combining relevant departments and services, as well as combat, engineering, logistics, security units and other services.
In accordance with the staffing schedule, the IAB should include three air squadrons of 25 combat vehicles each, a detachment of communications and control aircraft (helicopters) (each with up to five aircraft), and a detachment of search and rescue helicopters (five to ten).
However, as foreign military experts note, due to the shortage of modern combat aviation technology and trained flight personnel, the actual combat strength of fighter air bases differs significantly from the standard one. Moreover, each of them has some features in its organizational structure.
Yes, in the composition 1 iab there is one fighter-bomber aviation squadron (IBAE), which is armed with up to 15 front-line fighter-bombers Su-24MK, one fighter-aviation squadron (IAE) of F-4E, F-5E, MiG-29 and MiG aircraft -29UB, each of which has five to seven combat vehicles, as well as two reconnaissance aviation squadrons (RAE) of RF-4 and RF-5 reconnaissance aircraft.
On 2 iab There are three combat aviation squadrons, which are armed with up to 20 F-5E and 15 F-7 aircraft.
3 iab consists of two F-4E aircraft (15-20 combat vehicles in total).
4 iab is represented by two fighter squadrons of F-5E aircraft (about 20 units).
On 5 iab There are three aircraft (up to 10 MiG-29 and 30 F-7 aircraft).
6 iab has two squadrons (about 20 F-4E and D).
IN 7 Iab there is one squadron of F-14A combat aircraft (up to 15 combat vehicles).
8 iab has two squadrons of F-14A, numbering up to 50 combat vehicles.
9 iab include one squadron, which is armed with about 10 F-4E aircraft.
10 iab has one squadron of F-4E aircraft (about 15 aircraft).
In addition, almost every fighter air base has a detachment of communications and control aircraft (two to four T-33s) and a detachment of search and rescue helicopters (two to five AB-214, AB-205 and UH-1 Iroquois helicopters) ").
According to American military experts, Iranian Air Force F-4E and D, F-5E and Su-24MK aircraft are designed to provide close air support ground forces, and the MiG-29, F-14A and F-7 are air defense.
Military transport aviation
Military transport aviation (MTA) of the Iranian Army Air Force is designed to provide transport support for all types of armed forces. Air transportation in the operational zone facilitates the maneuver of troops, and constant logistics support allows you to conduct military operations even in isolation from the main forces. In the difficult terrain typical of Iran, the rapid delivery of personnel and cargo through airlift can be a decisive factor in the successful conduct of military operations. BTA must solve the following tasks:
- transfer of ground forces to the combat area;
- delivery of logistics items to troops from main bases; airborne landing of troops followed by their supply by air;
- supply by air to units that are surrounded or operating in isolation from the main forces;
- evacuation of the wounded and sick;
- other transportation in the interests of all branches of the armed forces.
The main organizational unit of the Iranian Military Aviation Administration is a separate transport aviation base (OTAB), which, according to the staffing table, has up to 2000 personnel. It includes: management; headquarters, uniting the relevant departments and services, as well as transport, engineering, logistics, security units and other services. The main ones are three transport aviation squadrons (TAE), which are required to have 16 aircraft. However, the quantitative composition of aircraft equipment at individual transport air bases differs significantly from staffing table. Moreover, each of them has some features in its organizational structure.
Thus, the 1st detachment includes five transport aviation squadrons. numbering up to 25 C-130E aircraft, about 10 Boeing 747 and 10 F-27, as well as refueling aviation, represented by 15 TZS Boeing 707. According to foreign press, transport aviation squadrons (TAE) of F-27 and Boeing 747 aircraft are government (provide transportation for representatives higher authorities Iranian authorities). The 7th detachment includes four transport air squadrons: three of them include the C-130E (about 20 aircraft) and one - the Il-76 (five to ten).
In addition, the Air Force of the Iranian Army includes: a meteorological regiment, the Qasre Piruzi and Air Force training centers in the cities of Tehran and Semnam, respectively, a training squadron (Isfahan), as well as an Air Force training ground (Sabzevar).
Prospects for updating the Iranian Air Force fleet
Since national military industry Iran is not capable of producing modern combat aircraft, and its capabilities allow for only medium repairs, the Iranian command plans to continue updating its aircraft fleet by purchasing modern combat aircraft abroad. Combat readiness aviation is also planned to be supported through the overhaul of AT. However, according to data American expert on the military problems of Iran, the aircraft manufacturers of this country, based on the Swiss turboprop aircraft RS-7 Pilatus, created the Fajer training aircraft with a flight range of 900 km, as well as the single-engine Parastu, equipped with 20 mm aircraft cannon and having a flight range of 1300 km. In addition, the Iranian press widely covered the successful overhaul of American-made combat aircraft.
IRAN air defense
Iran's air defense forces and assets are part of the Army Air Force. They are designed to control airspace, repelling enemy air raids and covering important administrative and strategic facilities on the territory of the country.
The air defense commander is simultaneously one of the deputy commanders of the Army Air Forces. In a peaceful and war time he exercises operational control of the units and subdivisions subordinate to him through his headquarters (main operations center air defense) and operational centers of air defense areas. To successfully solve the tasks assigned to air defense, as well as for more effective management fighter aircraft, air defense forces and means created a unified automated system management.
The air defense system has about 170 missile defense launchers, more than 100 of which medium range(“Hawk”, “Vega”, “Volga”), the rest are short-range (“Rapier”), as well as 35-mm Oerlikon anti-aircraft artillery mounts and a 23-mm Soviet-made charger.
Iran's air defense is built on the zonal-object principle. The airspace over the territory of the country, as well as neighboring states, the waters of the Persian and Oman Gulfs and the Caspian Sea is divided into five air defense regions, each of which includes two to nine air defense groups, which include units radio technical troops, units of anti-aircraft missile forces and anti-aircraft artillery. Air defense groups are mostly deployed in close proximity to air and naval bases and strategically important areas of the strait zone Persian Gulf.
The 1st air defense region (operational center in Tehran) covers the airspace of the north-eastern part of the country, the capital - Tehran, controls southern part Caspian Sea and the border with Afghanistan. There are nine air defense groups operating in this area.
The 2nd air defense region (operational center in Tabriz) covers the airspace of the northwestern part of the country, controls the Transcaucasus, Turkish Eastern Anatolia, northern Iraq, and regions inhabited by Kurds in neighboring countries. It consists of seven air defense groups.
The 3rd air defense region (operational center in Omidie) covers the airspace of the southwestern part of the country, controls Iraq, Kuwait, northern regions Saudi Arabia and the waters of the Persian Gulf. There are eight air defense groups operating in this area.
The 4th air defense region (operational center in Bandar Abbas) covers the airspace of the southern part of the country, controls the waters of the Persian and Oman Gulfs, the straits zone, the islands of Kish and Qeshm, Bahrain, Qatar, United United Arab Emirates. There are three air defense groups operating in this area.
The 5th air defense region (operational center in Kerman) covers the airspace of the southeastern part of the country, controls the southwest of Afghanistan and western regions Pakistan. Two air defense groups have been deployed in the area.
In addition, the air defense command system operates an air defense training center located in Hashemabad, consisting of six anti-aircraft missile divisions equipped with medium-range Vega missile launchers.
The program for the development of air defense systems, designed for the period until 2020, provides for the purchase abroad of medium-range air defense systems and modern anti-aircraft systems artillery systems, as well as radar stations.
ISLAMIC REVOLUTIONARY GUARD CORPS AEROSPACE FORCES
Along with the Army, it is one of the main components of the regular Armed Forces Islamic Republic Iran.
The law on the IRGC, adopted in May 1982, states that “the purpose of the corps is to protect the Islamic revolution of Iran, its conquests, “ Holy war with the infidels" (jihad), the spread of the rule of God's law in the world in accordance with the laws of Iran and the comprehensive strengthening of the country's defense base through interaction with other armed formations, military training of the masses and leadership of them."
The IRGC includes ground forces, aerospace forces, naval forces, Basij resistance forces and special purpose"kods". Total number corps of about 500 thousand people.
Objectives, structure, number
The Aerospace Forces (ASF) of the IRGC are an independent branch of Iran's armed forces. According to the views of the country's military leadership, they must be ready to solve the following tasks: launching missile strikes against land, air and naval groups of enemy forces, their military and economic objects; providing close air support to ground forces and naval forces.
The number of AKS personnel is about 10,000 people. The units are armed with operational-tactical and tactical missiles ground-to-ground class, auxiliary aircraft and helicopters. The combat force includes missile units and subunits, auxiliary aviation units, training centers and training grounds.
The AKS is headed by a commander, who is operationally subordinate to the chief of the joint headquarters of the IRGC and, through him, to the commander-in-chief of the IRGC, chief General Staff armed forces and supreme commander in chief. The commander of the AKS bears full responsibility to the Supreme Commander and the Commander-in-Chief of the IRGC for maintaining the combat effectiveness and combat readiness of subordinate units, instilling high moral and political qualities among the personnel of this type of armed forces, developing and implementing plans for the operational and combat use of troops, organizing and conducting operational, combat and psychological training, as well as for religious and ideological indoctrination of personnel and training in training centers. He organizes logistical support for subordinate formations and units.
The commander carries out leadership of the troops through his apparatus, which includes deputies, the secretariat and the headquarters of the AKS.
Headquarters aerospace forces, located in Tehran, is the main administrative and operational control body for units of both the AKS missile forces and aviation. It is entrusted with the functions of planning combat use, daily and combat activities of troops, as well as their logistics. The headquarters, consisting of directorates and departments, directly supervises the headquarters of subordinate units.
Armament
According to foreign press reports, the IRGC ACS is armed with more than 30 launchers of operational-tactical missiles (OTR), purchased in Libya, North Korea and Syria, as well as assembled at military enterprises of Iran itself, the prototype of which was the Soviet-designed OTR. According to Israeli experts, Iran has 250-300 missiles of this type, and according to American experts, a much smaller number. The flight range of Iranian OTR is 290-310 km (maximum 325 km). They are capable of carrying a combat charge weighing up to 1000 kg.
In addition, AKS has about 45 launchers tactical missiles with a launch range of 80-100 km, capable of carrying a combat charge weighing up to 150 kg. There are up to 150 auxiliary aircraft in service, in particular communication aircraft (Cessna, RS-7 Pilatus, Albatross, RS-6 Porter) and training aircraft (EMV-312 Tucano, S-101, MiG- 21U), as well as AV-205 helicopters.
Two missile brigades OTR are deployed in the areas of the cities of Hamadan and Isfahan, and two brigades of tactical missiles are located near the city of Shiraz. Aviation groups are located in the cities of Ahvaz, Birgent, Dizful, Zahedan, Omidie, Sanandaj, Urmia, Khorramabad, and a detachment of communications and control aircraft is based in Tehran. In addition, the IRGC ACS has a missile training center(Isfahan) and two missile ranges (in the area of the cities of Semnan and Dasht-Lut).
Thus, the main impact force IRI are rocket troops, which are part of the IRGC ACS. As Iranian experts note, their importance for the country’s defense capability goes beyond the tasks assigned to this type armed forces.
Development prospects
Building up missile potential The country is one of the priority areas of the Iranian Armed Forces modernization and development program, designed for ten years. The program provides for two parallel areas of activity: procurement missile weapons abroad, as well as the development and production of our own missile systems, primarily for operational and tactical purposes. Currently, Iran is actively conducting R&D, attracting foreign missile technologies, and creating and modernizing rocket industry enterprises. According to foreign military experts, a large missile manufacturing center built by the North Koreans is already operating in the Isfahan area. The plant, built with the help of Chinese specialists, in the area of Semnan (175 km east of Tehran) also produces products. In the city of Parchin (50 km southeast of Tehran) and the capital, there are enterprises for assembling operational-tactical missiles from components and parts supplied by the DPRK and Libya.
Iranian scientists are making efforts to improve the tactical and technical characteristics of missile systems. So, judging by the data of the American Center for Strategic and Strategic Intelligence international studies, Iran, Syria and, possibly, Pakistan coordinated efforts to modernize the liquid fuel OTR “No-Dong-1” developed in the DPRK (flight range over 1000 km, useful weight warheads up to 900 kg). Under the leadership of Chinese and North Korean specialists, the development program for the Zelzal missile with a range of up to 900 km is being successfully implemented. Iran has become interested in the new Tapeo-Dong-1 and Tapeo-Dong-2 missiles being created in the DPRK.
PERSONNEL WORK IN THE IRANIAN AIR FORCE
Recruitment and combat training
The manning of the Army Air Force and the IRGC ACS is somewhat different, although in both cases it is carried out on the basis of the law on universal conscription, adopted in 1986. All males over 19 years of age are subject to conscription for military service. The term of conscript service for privates and non-commissioned officers is two years. The share of conscripts in the Army Air Force personnel is small, since service in aviation requires special professional knowledge and skills, and not only for pilots. Therefore, the Army Air Force created special system recruitment (primarily from among the most competent conscripts), as well as education and training of personnel, which consists of three stages: initial training, secondary training course and higher education.
Primary military and special training(one to six months) all Army Air Force personnel undergo at the beginning of their service. After its completion, certificates of the established form are issued.
Within the framework of the secondary education system, there are two levels of training of specialists for the Army Air Force: with regular secondary military education and advanced professional qualifications. In both cases, training is carried out in two stages: full-time - with training command Army Air Forces and correspondence - directly in aviation units. After successful completion of the first stage, cadets are awarded the rank of sergeant, and they receive the primary officer rank in units after graduation. full course training.
The higher education system of this branch of the armed forces includes the military university of the Army Air Forces. It trains career officers in the following specialties: military pilot, aircraft maintenance engineer, computer systems, electrical equipment, airspace management and control, administrative issues and others. According to its equipment, educational base, the level of teaching the military university is one of best universities countries. The duration of study is four years. In the future, its graduates can rise to the military rank of brigadier general of 2nd rank. To obtain subsequent ranks, you must graduate from the Command and Staff Academy and the Academy of Strategic Sciences.
The staffing of the IRGC ACS has its own characteristics. Along with conscription into the corps in accordance with general provisions law on universal conscription, its recruitment is carried out by recruiting volunteers from among civilians(who have reached the age of 16), as well as military personnel of the Air Force and Army ground forces (for missile forces). As when calling for conscript service, and upon admission to the cadre, candidates are subject to thorough security checks, undergo testing, and in some cases are required to present recommendations from clergy and pass exams.
The non-commissioned officer corps is composed of volunteers, primarily sergeants. Its training is carried out by non-commissioned officer schools and specialized training centers.
The training of officers for the missile forces of the IRGC ACS is carried out in military schools, admission to which is carried out on a competitive basis from both civilians and military personnel of conscript and long-term service under the age of 22. Military applicants educational establishments The Army Air Forces and the IRGC ACS undergo strict selection and testing for adherence to Islam. The main criteria are: confession of Islam, devotion to the ideas of the Islamic revolution, nationality(preference is given to Persians), health status and lack of criminal record. When enrolling for study, preference is given to those with combat experience, as well as children of those killed during the Iran-Iraq conflict. The duration of training in schools depends on the specialty chosen by the cadet. Graduates are awarded the military rank of lieutenant.
The following ranks are established in the Air Force of the Army and the ACS of the IRGC of Iran: corps general, division general, brigadier general, brigadier general 2nd rank, colonel, lieutenant colonel, major, captain, senior lieutenant, lieutenant, junior lieutenant, sergeant major 1st category, sergeant major 2nd 1st category, senior sergeant, sergeant, junior sergeant, corporal, private 1st category, private 2nd category, private.
During service, an officer may remain in each military rank (position) for no more than four years. After this period, he is presented for promotion to position and military rank. If the officer does not meet the requirements, then the command considers the issue of his professional suitability and the advisability of further stay in the armed forces.
To improve their qualifications during their service, officers periodically undergo training and retraining at special courses, the study of which - required condition for promotion in peacetime.
The final stage of training for officer cadres of the Army Air Force and the IRGC ACS is study at the Army Air Force Academy, which accepts a small number of Corps military personnel, as well as at the Command and Staff Academy and the Academy of Strategic Sciences.
Social security for military personnel
Pursuing the goal of increasing prestige military service, the leadership of the Iranian armed forces constantly pays attention to issues of material and financial support and improvement of the system social protection officers. It provides for free medical care, compulsory state life insurance, as well as the provision of official living space while in the armed forces. The salary of officers, consisting of official salary, salary according to military rank, as well as from a number of additional payments, is constantly indexed to take into account inflation. IN last years its level has increased slightly. This especially applies to flight personnel who receive special allowances and rations. In addition, the command, as a rule, does not prevent officers from engaging in small business. In general, the financial situation of officers of the Army Air Force and ACS of the IRGC corresponds to the average level of material well-being for Iran.
Upon completion of 30 years of service or reaching the age of 60, an officer may retire. Flight personnel may be dismissed for health reasons or decommissioned from flight work and transferred to one of the ground services. A military pensioner has the right to receive a plot of land and a cash loan for housing construction. The commanders of the armed forces are given the right, in agreement with the Ministry of Defense, to extend the service life of officers to 65 years, as well as to hire pensioners from among those transferred to the reserve to work in units and institutions while maintaining their pension.
Religious and political-ideological work in Iran is a single process. To effectively carry out the tasks of ideological and psychological training of military personnel, an extensive network of political and ideological bodies has been created in the air forces of the Army and the IRGC.
Ideological work
The supreme ideologist of Iran is the spiritual leader of Iran (he is also the Supreme Commander-in-Chief), who leads and directs all political and ideological work in the country and the armed forces through his office. It is the unifying center, the highest authority of several autonomous political and ideological apparatuses: Islamic observers appointed to the troops by the office of the spiritual leader; the main political-ideological directorate (GPIU) of the Iranian armed forces and the headquarters for the management and coordination of political-ideological work.
The development of the main directions of ideological indoctrination, psychological training and education of personnel of the armed forces is carried out by the GPIU, which manages the political and ideological departments of the joint headquarters of the Army and the IRGC subordinate to it. At the same time, each of the headquarters of the armed forces and, naturally, the Army Air Force and the IRGC ACS have their own political and ideological departments, which have a structure similar to the higher departments, which includes four departments: propaganda, public relations and internal service; ideological; construction; creation religious centers. The PIU of the Army Air Forces and, accordingly, the ACS of the IRGC manage the political and ideological departments of formations and units subordinate to them, headed by deputy commanders for political and ideological work.
An important place in the system of religious and political bodies is occupied by the apparatus of Islamic observers, which is, in essence, the institution of Islamic political commissars in the armed forces.
Direct responsibility for the moral and political state, religious, ideological and psychological preparation personnel are carried by commanders of all levels, army mullahs, whose positions are equivalent to officers, and personal representatives of the spiritual leader in the Air Force.
Religious and ideological personnel for the Army Air Force and the IRGC ACS are trained at the school at the IRGC PSU and at higher theological courses in the cities of Qom and Tabriz.
The entire system of political-ideological institutions that make up the religious-ideological apparatus of the armed forces extends and operates both horizontally (Army, IRGC) and vertically (from the high command to the rank and file). The role of Shiite political-ideological bodies in the Air Force and AKS throughout the history of the Islamic Republic, and especially in its early years, has been and remains very significant. Historically, under the regime of the last Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the Shaheenshah Air Force was a privileged branch of the armed forces (the Shah and one of his sons were professional pilots). It was among the pilots that monarchical sentiments prevailed, which the new authorities needed to get rid of, which was done not without the participation of religious political and ideological bodies.
The military-political leadership of Iran declares that the country's armed forces are outside politics and are intended only to carry out external functions. Officers are strictly prohibited from taking part in the activities of any political parties and organizations, even Islamic ones. In general, service in the Iranian armed forces, and especially in the Air Force, is quite prestigious for the majority of the country's population. Officers This type of aircraft enjoys great prestige in Iranian society. N<
(Colonel A. Rebrov, “ZVO”)
The Iranian Air Force was founded in the mid-20s.
Initial service included the De Havilland DH-82 Tiger Moth, Hawker Furi, Audax and Hind. During the Shah's reign, a large number of aircraft and helicopters were supplied from the United States, including 79 F-14A Tomcat, 32 F-4D Phantom, 177 F-4E and 16 RF-4E, 140 F-5E and 28 F-5F two-seat aircraft. However, after November 4, 1979 and the embargo imposed by the United States, it was very difficult to maintain this equipment in flying condition, but the Iranians tried to somehow solve this problem: where by purchasing on the “black” market (the Iran-Contra scandal is indicative in this regard), where and organizing the production of spare parts at our own enterprises. After the revolution, the only purchases of aircraft in the West were 35 Pilatus PC-7, 15 PC-6 Porter and 15 EMB312 Tucano (purchased in 1983 -90). The basis of the fleet was made up of Soviet and Chinese-made aircraft, such as the F-7M, MiG-29, An-74, Su-24MK and Il-76TD.
During the 1991 war, several dozen aircraft flew to Iran, which were put into operation and units were organized from them. This, for example, happened with "Mirage" F1BQ/EQ.
- In addition, the local aviation industry is actively developing its own aircraft and helicopters and modernizing the existing fleet. It is difficult to list all the projects due to the ongoing isolation of the country, but we will still provide some details:Simorkh
- - conversion of Northrop F-5A to F-5B by Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industries (IAMI);Shafagh
- - a two-seater aircraft for initial training and an attack aircraft.Created on the basis of cooperation with Russian aircraft manufacturers. Details are unknown, at least Russian ejection seats are installed;
- Paratsu- modernization of Beech F33 Bonanza;
- Azaraksh- modernization of the F-5E;
- JT2-2 "Tazarv" -the third prototype of the Dorn jet, which is supposed to be used as a training aircraft
- Shahed 274- an Iranian-made helicopter, created on the basis of components of several types of helicopters, primarily Bell 206;
- Shavabiz 75- converted to a different Bell 214C engine;
- Project 2061- conversion of Bell 206;
- Project 2091- AH-1J modernization program;
Iran-140
In the mid-70s, army aviation was separated from the Air Force. During the Shah's times, it was armed with about 300 Bell 214As, 200+ Bell AH-1J Cobras, 185 Agusta-Bell 206s, approximately 100 AB205s and 66 CH-47C Chinooks. Among the aircraft, it is worth noting the Cessna O-2, Cessna-185, Cessna 310, Dassault Falcon 20E, Rockwell AC690 Aero Commander and Fokker F27. Today, only the latter two types of aircraft are still capable of taking off. Among post-revolutionary purchases, it is worth mentioning 9(?) Harbin Y-12.
Naval aviation consists of 20 or 30 SH-3D Sea Kings and a number of AB212ASWs. In addition, several RH-53D, AB205A and AB206A are also in service.
Several Dassault Falcon 20E and Fokker F27-400M also carry out patrols in the interests of the fleet.
The combat strength (more or less plausible) is available only for 2001: | Base | squadron |
Aircraft type | 11 | Mehrabad |
12 | MiG-29A/UB | |
83 | F-5A/B | |
? | F-14A | |
Su-24MK | 21 | Tabril |
22 | Tabril | |
23 | Mehrabad | |
F-5E/F | 31 | Shashroki |
32 | Shashroki | |
33 | Shashroki | |
F-4 | 41 | Vahdati |
42 | Vahdati | |
43 | Vahdati | |
F-5 | 51 | Umidiekh |
52 | Umidiekh | |
53 | Umidiekh | |
F-7M | 61 | Shashroki |
62 | Shashroki | |
82 | F-5A/B | |
Bushehr | 71 | Vahdati |
72 | F-14A | |
83 | F-5A/B | |
Shiraz | 81 | F-5A/B |
82 | F-5A/B | |
Khatami | 91 | Shashroki |
92 | Shashroki | |
Bandar Abbas | 101 | Shashroki |
Bahar | ? | Zahedan |
F-6
Major air force exercises are taking place in Iran on October 16-21. The day before yesterday, Iranian state television announced the start of exercises in East Azerbaijan, in the northwest of the country, near the border with Turkey.
According to the official statement, F-4, F-5, F-7, F-14 fighters, combat vehicles of the Russian Sukhoi Design Bureau (apparently only Su-24) and Iranian-made Sayege class aircraft are taking part in the exercises. (“Thunder”) and “Azaraksh” (“Lightning”), analogues of the American F-5 and F-18. In addition, it was promised that Iranian unmanned aircraft would take part in the exercises.
During the exercises, training shooting and refueling of combat aircraft in the air should be carried out using American-made Boeing KS-707 refueling aircraft. It is expected that combat aircraft will fly over Tabriz, Hamadan, Dezful, Tehran and Isfahan (where there is a nuclear reactor and nuclear fuel production facilities) these days.
The announcement of the start of the exercise was accompanied by a demonstration of footage of Iranian combat aircraft training maneuvers, firing exercises and mid-air refueling. These images were shown on Friday, October 17, by many Western television channels. However, we are talking about footage from an educational and propaganda film shot earlier. The current exercises are just entering their main phase.
Iranian television said the Islamic Republic's air force exercise was "a response to an Israeli air force exercise conducted over the Mediterranean in June this year, which the Pentagon said was a rehearsal for an attack on Iran's nuclear facilities." Refueling Iranian aircraft in the air should show the seriousness of the Iranian Air Force's intention to attack distant targets (primarily Israel).
Let us note that in July Tehran already announced that it would soon hold “response exercises,” but they did not take place then. Instead of large-scale exercises, Iran conducted training flights of a squadron of F-5s. In September, a three-day exercise involving several interceptor aircraft, a group of aircraft equipped with surveillance systems, and reconnaissance UAVs took part - during these exercises they practiced detection of enemy aircraft and interaction with air defense forces, rather than offensive actions.
Let us recall that in early June, more than 100 Israeli F-15 and F-16 combat aircraft took part in exercises over the Mediterranean Sea. According to Western experts, the Iranian Air Force has approximately 280 combat vehicles in service, but no more than 80% of them are in good condition. Tehran is seeking to modernize its air force, counting on cooperation, first of all, with Russia. It is known that several years ago specialists from the Sukhoi Design Bureau worked in Iran. However, how far this collaboration has progressed is unclear.
A new stage of Iranian air force exercises began on Saturday
Today, Saturday October 18, the Iranian Air Force began a new stage of large-scale exercises in the northwest of the country. This was stated by command representative Colonel Hossein Chitforush.
According to Chitforush, at this stage F-4, F-5, F-14, Su-24 and Sayege fighters attack training targets. The colonel said that their own “competitions” would be held to compare the firepower of these combat vehicles. In addition, he said, Iranian-made “smart bombs” will be tested.
According to a statement by Hossein Chitforoush, quoted by the Iranian publication Press TV, at the first stage of the exercise, on Thursday-Friday, UAVs and manned reconnaissance aircraft carried out aerial photography and monitored the airspace throughout Iran. Interceptor aircraft and bombers from the Iranian Air Force also took part in this phase of the exercise, according to an Iranian army spokesman.
The Iranian Air Force is considered an independent branch of the armed forces, which also includes air defense forces. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) also has its own air force.
The air force has 12 air bases, including ten fighter bases and two transport ones. They serve as the home base for 12 transport and 25 combat aviation squadrons, 2 helicopter squadrons, about 10 aircraft and helicopter control and communications squads, as well as 10 search and rescue squads.
During the reign of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, who supported the United States - in the 70s of the last century - the Iranian Air Force was the most equipped in the Middle East. In particular, they were armed with 79 F-14 aircraft, in addition, a contract was signed that provided for the supply of 150 F-16 units.
The Islamic Revolution and the breakdown of relations with America led Iranian aviation into decline. There were no deliveries of F-16s, and the Air Force soon stopped receiving parts.
After the 1979 revolution, the modern Iranian Air Force was created on the basis of the Shah's air force, which immediately had to face significant difficulties. In particular, the United States imposed a supply embargo, which deprived the Iranian fleet of spare parts. At that moment, American helicopters and airplanes were mainly in service. In addition, the new government viewed former officers of the Shah's army with distrust, so many experienced pilots and commanders were subjected to repression.
In any case, the Iranian Air Force played an important role in the early part of the Iran-Iraq War, which began on September 22, 1980.
Attempts by the Iraqi military to destroy enemy air units on the airfields failed. Over the course of a week after the start of military clashes, Iranian aircraft (F-5E Tiger II, F-4 Phantom II, F-14 Tomcat) had to make many sorties to bomb a number of economic and military targets located in Iraq, in including in Baghdad.
Iranian aviation caused significant damage to the Iraqi rear system, which significantly slowed down the pace of the Iraqi army's offensive.
In April 1981, the Iranian Air Force managed to carry out one of its most successful operations. During a raid on the territory of Western Iraq, several dozen enemy aircraft were destroyed at one of the airfields. However, by this time the activity of the Air Force began to decline, and after 1982 they had almost no influence on the course of hostilities. The units were sorely short of spare parts, so technicians engaged in “cannibalization”, dismantling helicopters and airplanes into parts. In turn, this steadily reduced the number of vehicles ready for combat sorties. In 1983, Iranian pilots could fly about a hundred aircraft. This deplorable situation continued until the end of hostilities, although there were some secret deliveries of weapons from the United States and Israel.
At that time, the Iranian Air Force retained, including non-combat-ready ones, 60 F-5s out of 169, 70 F-4s out of 325, and 20 F-14s out of 79.
Google Earth satellite image: Iranian Air Force F-14 fighters, Isfahan airfield
After the end of the Iran-Iraq War, attempts were made to replenish the fleet of combat aircraft. There was a purchase of 60 F-7Ms (the Chinese version of the MiG-21F) from China, however, they could no longer be considered modern weapons.
The next acquisition is the purchase of MiG-29 fighters and Su-24 front-line bombers from the USSR. In 1992, Russia delivered 8 MiG-29s and 10 Su-24s. In 1994, Ukraine delivered 12 An-74s.
An unexpected replenishment occurred in early 1991, when, during the fighting in the Persian Gulf, most of the Iraqi Air Force aircraft moved to Iran, trying to escape from Allied aircraft. Iran did not want to return these planes, considering that this was a kind of reparation for the consequences of the eight-year war. Some of these aircraft became part of the Iranian Air Force.
Google Earth satellite image: Iranian Air Force Su-25 attack aircraft
In 1991, a large number of aircraft from Iraq went to Iran: 24 Su-24, 24 Mirage, 20 Su-22, 7 Su-25, 4 Su-20, 4 MiG-29, 4 MiG-25, 7 MiG- 23ML, 1 Mig-23UB, 4 Mig-23VN, as well as some others.
But the lack of an established maintenance system and spare parts, as well as experienced pilots and technicians, prevented most of the aircraft from entering the Air Force. According to some reports, 4 MiG-29, 10 Mirage F.1, 24 Su-24, 7 Su-25 were put into service.
Iranian Air Force Mirage F.1 fighter
Since the 80s, the PRC has been supplying aviation equipment to Iran, and since the 90s Russia and some other CIS countries have been added to it.
Therefore, the Iranian Air Force's aviation fleet now includes American, Soviet, Russian, Chinese, French and Ukrainian aircraft, as well as several of its own unique developments.
Google Earth satellite image: Iranian Air Force F-14, MiG-29, Su-22 aircraft, Tehran airport
The fighter and fighter-bomber aviation includes 60 F-14A (of which only 20-25 are combat-ready), 35 MiG-29, 45 F-5E/F, 10 Mirage F-1, 60 Phantom-2, 24 F-7M and others.
Light attack aircraft Tazarv
Strike aircraft are represented by 30 Su-24M, 24 Su-20/22, 13 Su-25, 25 Tazarv - a light attack aircraft produced in Iran.
In reconnaissance aviation units there are 6-8 RF-4E “Phantom-2”, 5 P-3F “Orion”, 2-3 RC-130H, 1 Adnan (Baghdad) - AWACS aircraft based on Il-76MD, 4-5 Dornier 228 (naval aviation), 15 Cessna 185.
Satellite image of Google Earth: AWACS aircraft and military-technical cooperation S-130 of the Iranian Air Force
Training aviation is represented by 26 Beech F-33A/C Bonanza, 45 PC-7 Turbo-Trainer, 10 EMB-312 Tucano, 7-9 T-33, 8 Socata TV-21 Trinidad, 25 MFI-17B Mushshak, 4 Socata TV- 200 Tobago.
In transport aviation units there are 12 Il-76, 4 Boeing 707-3J9C, 1 Boeing-727, 5 Boeing 747, 11 An-74; 10 Fokker F27, 14 An-24, 15 HESA IrAn-140.
In addition, approximately two hundred Bavar-2 light seaplanes, produced in Iran, are used in Iranian aviation units.
The composition of the helicopter fleet turned out to be no less variegated. The strike units are armed with approximately 50 HESA Shahed 285, 100 Bell AH-1 Cobra. Multi-role and transport units are equipped with 100 UH-1/Bell-205/Bell-206, 10 SH-53D Sea Stallion, 20 CH-47C Chinnuk, 25 Shabaviz 275.
In addition, a large number of unmanned aerial vehicles, including attack ones, are produced in Iran. The heaviest of them is the Karrar UAV, capable of carrying a ton of payload. The Ababil UAV is used for reconnaissance operations. The Mohajer series of medium-sized drones is used for reconnaissance operations and targeting laser munitions.
Attack UAV Karrar
It should be noted that Iran is actively developing and creating its own models of military aircraft.
The Iranian classification of fighters has some differences from the global one, since the determining factor is the time of creation, and not certain capabilities and characteristics.
The first generation is represented by the HESA Azarakhsh fighter, which was created in the 90s. The Saeqeh fighter belongs to the second generation. At the same time, Saeqeh is a deeply modernized Azarakhsh. Both aircraft also display features of the American-made Northrop F-5E, which was delivered to Iran in the 70s.
The development of the first fighter in Iran began in the second half of the 80s. The plane was named “Lightning” - “Azarakhsh”. Work on it was carried out at IAMI (Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industrial, also known as HESA) together with Shahid Sattari University and specialists from the Iranian Air Force. The main reason for starting our own developments was the loss of the opportunity to purchase modern aircraft equipment abroad, primarily in the USA. In the 80s, Iranian designers had not yet acquired the necessary experience, so the development of the Molniya was delayed. The first prototype was flown only in 1997.
Azarakhsh is slightly larger than the F-5E: length 17.7 m, wingspan - 9.2 m. The Iranian fighter received a wing area of approximately 22 sq.m. Its maximum take-off weight is 18 tons with a dead weight without combat load of 8 tons.
Two Russian-made RD-33 turbojet engines are used as power units, the maximum thrust of which is 8300 kgf. In 2007, Iran signed a contract for the supply of fifty such engines for a total amount of $150 million.
The maximum speed of Azarakhsh is 1650-1700 km/h with a power reserve of 1200 kilometers.
In the serial version, the crew includes two people. Their workplaces are located next to each other. Different sources contain different masses of the aircraft's payload, as well as its weapons. This parameter varies from 3500 to 4400 kilograms. The aircraft is equipped with the Russian N019ME Topaz radar.
Since the first flight, about thirty Molniya aircraft have been produced, and their electronic equipment has been modernized several times. Aircraft of this type have significant differences from each other, which makes their maintenance very difficult.
By the time of the Molniya’s test flights, a deep modernization of the vehicle had already begun. The second generation aircraft was named “Lightning Strike” - “Saeqeh”.
In 2001, information appeared about the construction of the first Saeqeh prototype, but it took to the skies only in May 2004.
The main difference from the previous machine is that the plane has become single-seat. Serious changes affected the tail section, which received new contours and a second keel. Refusal of the second crew member made it possible to reduce the take-off weight without changing the engines and avionics. The empty weight of the Saeqeh is 7,800 kg, and the maximum take-off weight is 16,800 kg. Flight and technical characteristics were also improved: the speed rose to 2050-2080 km/h, and the flight range increased to 1400 km.
The test program of the new aircraft became more successful, so already in 2007, Iranian Air Force pilots demonstrated the new “Lightning Strikes” at the parade. And in September 2007 they were officially accepted into service.
Over the next six years, about 30 such aircraft were produced. But, against the backdrop of large-scale write-offs of American aircraft, this is clearly not enough.
On February 2, 2013, the promising Iranian-made Qaher-313 fighter was presented. This event was timed to celebrate the Islamic revolution that occurred in 1979.
The Iranian military excitedly talked about the great combat potential of the vehicle, which is not only practically invisible on radar, but is also equipped with advanced on-board radio electronics solutions.
The main feature of the new aircraft is its small effective reflective area, which makes it barely noticeable to enemy radar installations. Iranian Defense Minister Ahmad Vahidi noted that the properties of the fighter allow it to effectively conduct combat operations at low altitudes. At the same time, according to the head of the Qaher-313 project, Hassan Parvaneh, only Iranian components are used in the aircraft.
The general public was presented with an aircraft with a rather strange appearance. It has an integral layout; it also uses a “canard” design, which assumes an excessive front horizontal tail, a normally swept wing, the tips of which are deflected 50-65 degrees downwards, as well as keels “lounged” in different directions. The appearance turned out to be chopped, apparently to reduce visibility on radars. Another engineering solution is the unbound lantern.
Vahidi noted that high-tech materials and advanced electronics were used in the construction of the aircraft. The vehicle can use Iranian-made precision-guided ammunition. Another feature of the aircraft is the ability to take off and land from small runways.
However, even after the loud statements of the Iranian military, when looking at the plane shown on Iranian television channels and news agencies, one gets the feeling that it is not capable of taking off. The fighter's nose is so small that it is unclear where the radar station could be located there. In the published photographs you can see a primitive dashboard, which suggests that it was not even a prototype, but just a mock-up.
It is worth noting that, in general, the technical solutions used in its creation are quite interesting, but still leave a strange feeling.
The plane looks more like a large mock-up than a full-fledged fighter. In addition, Iran has not received information about global technical developments for several decades, so doubts arise about statements about breakthrough technologies by Iranian scientists. Iran practically lacks its own developed industry and scientific potential.
Apparently, the main goal of such a demonstration is to raise the morale of ordinary Iranians.
If full-scale clashes begin with US and allied forces, the Iranian Air Force will most likely not be able to do anything significant. Relative small numbers, outdated equipment, lack of the required number of modern weapons - all this will not allow aviation units to provide effective cover for troops and ground infrastructure, as well as attack American bases located on the opposite shores of the Persian and Oman Gulfs.
The situation could be corrected by purchasing modern military aircraft abroad. But it is simply impossible to arrange supplies from the USA or Europe.
The balance of power in the region could be changed by several dozen modern Su-30MK2 aircraft with weapons sets. But after the failure of deliveries of the S-300P air defense system to Iran, the contract for which was terminated under pressure from Israel and the United States, such an option is hardly possible.
Materials used:
http://www.airwar.ru/history/af/iran/iran.html
http://www.waronline.org/mideast/iran/airforce/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qaher-313
Military-technical cooperation between the Celestial Empire and the Islamic Republic of Iran has been known for a long time. The Iranian Armed Forces, which are one of the most powerful armies in Central Asia, have a fairly large percentage of weapons that use Chinese electronic components, as well as missile weapons created on the basis of Chinese models.
The most striking examples are the Noor and Qader anti-ship missiles, which were developed on the basis of the famous Chinese anti-ship missile YJ-82 (export name C-802). It is these anti-ship missiles that form the main line of Iran's anti-ship defense: flexibility of use and effectiveness in the armed forces is achieved through the use of a full-fledged missile launching system, among which coastal anti-ship missiles (carriers are ordinary trucks), aviation carriers (tactical fighter aircraft of the Iranian Air Force), and sea carriers are known (Alvand class frigates/SCs, Kaman missile boats, etc.). The Noor missiles have tactical and technical parameters similar to the domestic Kh-35 Uran anti-ship missiles, and the upgraded versions of the Qader are already similar to the more advanced Kh-35U and AGM-84D (Block 1C), the range of which reaches 260 and 220 km respectively.
Most of Iran's promising weapons in one way or another appeared thanks to the use of avionics with Chinese element base, which is now actively developing and practically keeps up with the world pace. But the latest news makes us talk not only about the supply of modern electronics and the “digitization” of Iranian military equipment, but about a more global, even strategic partnership that will allow Iran to turn not only into a defensive side, but also into such a “big player” that will receive a regional parity or even superiority over all enemy coalitions, such as the “Arabian coalition” and Israel.
The transformation of Iran into a regional superpower is proceeding systematically and steadily, which gives reason to evaluate the Russian concept of a multipolar world as successful and the most adequate. The excellent development of Iran's military-industrial complex is evidenced by the development of a large number of new air defense systems, including the promising Bavar-373 air defense system, modern missile attack warning system (AMWS) radar and air traffic control (ATC) type "Ghadir" with a four-way AFAR meter range. There is also a well-equipped Air Force and Air Defense headquarters, which receives all data on the tactical situation received by RTV and the state Air Force.
But Iran has a big problem, which today will not allow it to fully realize both the defensive and offensive potentials of its weak army. We are talking about the hopeless state of the aging aircraft fleet of the Iranian Air Force, which urgently needs to be updated with aircraft of the “4+” generation. The main composition of the front-line tactical aviation of the Islamic Republic is represented by 300 multi-role fighters and tactical bombers of the 3rd and 4th generations, which in terms of basic combat qualities are completely inferior to the fighter aircraft of the “Arabian coalition”, the Israeli Air Force and, of course, the American carrier-based aircraft. These include such vehicles as: 44 F-14A “Tomcat”, 35 MiG-29A, 30 Su-24MK, 65 F-4E “Phantom II”, 60 F-5, 10 “Dassault Mirage” F1, several “Qaher- 313", 30 HESA "Azarakhsh".
Most aircraft are twenty to thirty years old and have almost completely exhausted their service life. A small part of them is being modernized. Thus, the F-14A was modernized by integrating the MIM-23 anti-aircraft guided missile from the Hawk air defense system into the armament; the MiG-29A also retained its potential. And the most advanced light stealth fighter of the 5th generation, Qaher-313, exists in only one or a few copies. The Qaher-313 aircraft have an ESR of less than 1 m2 and are designed for close maneuver combat, intercepting UAV cruise missiles, as well as destroying low-flying attack helicopters.
The remaining aircraft are no longer suitable for modern network-centric warfare and can only be used as good combat training vehicles and surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft in the theater of military operations. Su-24MK can be used as anti-ship aircraft, for low-altitude air defense breakthrough and organization of anti-aircraft defense in a naval theater of operations.
After the delivery of the S-300VM air defense system or the modernized S-300PMU-2 to Iran, the air defense of the Islamic Republic will reach such a potential that it will be very difficult to destroy it with the help of an ordinary air defense system of the US Air Force and Navy, and even with Israeli support. However, a weak air force will not allow Iran to effectively destroy air defense elements and other enemy equipment in the Arabian Peninsula, which even now is under a reliable missile defense “umbrella” formed by the Patriot PAC-2/3 air defense system and regularly present in the Persian Gulf Aegis destroyers/cruisers of the US Navy. Iran's ballistic missile arsenals are not capable of effectively breaking through this defense. In addition, the existing fighters in the Iranian Air Force are not capable of achieving air superiority near the state border, as well as over the territories of the country where the density of air defense systems deployed is insufficient.
The other day great news came from Shanghai. The Cankao Xiaoxi newspaper reports on the upcoming contract between the Iranian Ministry of Defense and the first Chinese manufacturer of combat aircraft, the Chengdu Company (CAC), to supply the Iranian Air Force with the largest batch of modern J-10A multirole fighters in Iranian history. It is known that by 2020 Iran wants to receive 2 squadrons of 24 Jian-10 aircraft, for which it will provide Chinese oil companies with permission to develop the huge Azadegan oil field, which will allow China to gain greater independence in the future from energy suppliers tied to American political and economic apparatus.
After 2020, apparently, there are plans to purchase another 126 J-10A fighters, the number of which will allow the Iranian Air Force to form 3 full-fledged fighter aviation regiments by 2020–2022, capable of covering the western and southwestern regions of the state. Already, the upcoming contract is viewed as a major military-strategic deal, which will ultimately lead to cooperation between both states and will seriously “pull back” American interests in Asia and the Indian Ocean.
The Azadegan field is a huge, completely unexplored source of “black gold”, and therefore has great attractiveness on the oil market. Its development could arouse genuine interest from the West, and since it is located on Iranian territory, the Americans do not have any legal rights to claim this region, which could ultimately lead to the West using its “trump cards” to influence the region.
All the risks of working in Azadegan are associated with the close location of the field territory to the border of Iraq, where the American-fed terrorist organization “Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant” continues to operate, with the help of which the Americans very skillfully manage the political situation in Central Asia and the Middle East. It goes without saying that in order to protect development sites in Azadegan, both Iran and China will need to ensure maximum security in the area. This will automatically require the presence of units of the PLA, the Chinese Navy, as well as an increase in the contingent of the Iranian Armed Forces.
It is possible that modern Chinese Type 052C/D guided missile destroyers and other warships will appear in the Persian Gulf, which will lead to discontent of the Pentagon and there will be various provocations associated with the presence of the US Navy. An unspoken conflict between China and the United States has long been observed around Vietnam, the Diaoyutai Archipelago, and also after the introduction by the PLA General Staff of the “three chains” strategy, in which all elements of the US Armed Forces in the Asia-Pacific Region, for a completely adequate reason, become targets for the Air Force and Chinese Navy.
150 J-10 WILL ALLOW IRAN TO BE ON AN EQUAL POSITION WITH THE “ARABIAN COALITION”
In one of the previous articles, we examined the strike capabilities of the “Arabian coalition.” More than 450 existing 4+ generation fighters, including such aircraft as the EF-2000 “Typhoon”, F/A-18C, “Mirage-2000-9”, F-15C/E, provide the Arabian Peninsula with complete superiority on the ground , water and air above your own and surrounding territories. These aircraft are regularly upgraded and can carry any type of modern American high-tech missile, including the promising long-range tactical missiles AGM-158B and the more compact AGM-84H “SLAM-ER”. They can also use a longer-range version of the AIM-120C-7/8 “AMRAAM” air-to-air missile, which leaves no chance for Iranian aviation to maintain air superiority even on its own border.
The acquisition of 150 J-10A “4+” generation fighters will allow the Iranian Air Force not only to effectively control the entire western border of the state in the event of a military conflict, but also, if possible, to conduct local air operations in the territories of the “Arabian coalition.” The cost of one J-10 on the arms market is $41 million, 150 aircraft cost $6.2 billion, based on its excellent combat qualities, this is much more profitable than purchasing more expensive aircraft, especially since the price will be much lower than the market price for by granting the PRC the right to develop Azadegan. In addition, the aircraft are equipped with Russian AL-31F engines, so Iran can always turn to NPO Saturn for power plant maintenance, which is also quite a beneficial event for the Russian side.
The glider of the J-10 fighter has a canard design with a large PGO with an area of 5.45 m 2, the delta wing has an area of 33.05 m 2. The rotating PGO makes it possible to achieve large angles of attack in flight, more than 30°, and also sharply increases the angular speed of turn and overall controllability in close air combat. The angular speed of turn is at the level of Typhoon and Rafale aircraft. The J-10A has a maximum speed of about 2,100 km/h, a ceiling of 18,000 m and is capable of conducting strike operations within a radius of 800 km. There is an in-flight refueling system boom, thanks to which the J-10A can be on non-stop patrol for a long time.
The reliability of the AL-31F engine already sounds like a “brand”, so there will definitely be no problems with the power plant. The J-10A has good acceleration capabilities, expressed in a high afterburner thrust at midship (2572 kgf/m2), and up to 7300 kg of various weapons of any class can be placed on 11 hardpoints. In the BVB, the J-10A will leave behind almost any American or Western European fighter of the “Arabian coalition” or the Israeli Air Force, but in the DVB, difficulties may arise. The “Swift Dragon” (as the Chinese call the J-10) is equipped with a fairly weak “Pearl” radar, which has a maximum detection and acquisition range of an “F-16C” type target of 80 and 60 km, respectively, so the Saudi F-15S will detect it much earlier .
This moment opens up another issue for the Iranian Air Force - the need to purchase several AWACS aircraft. These could be either Chinese ZDK-03 or Russian A-50. Of course, for Iran, it would be more expedient to purchase a more advanced version of the J-10B fighter; these aircraft will be equipped with an airborne radar with AFAR with the technological level of the AN/APG-68 or Zhuk-AE radar, but so far even the Chinese Air Force does not have these aircraft.
This deal is a big deal for two reasons. Firstly, strategic cooperation among “friends of Russia” is strengthened; secondly, such cooperation will lead to a decrease in American influence in Asia and a faster emergence of Iran as a regional superpower. The countries of the Arabian Peninsula, Israel and Türkiye will have less and less influence on the military situation in the region.