Iran-Russsian Arms Deal - Iran gets 24 SU-35 fighter jets

Irans confirmation that it was set to receive a batch of advanced Su-35 fighter jets from Russia has signaled the dawn of a new era in the complex relationship between Moscow and Tehran, whose burgeoning defense axis could have significant ramifications for the security interests of the United States and its allies in the Middle East.

The development, confirmed earlier this week by a member of Irans legislative National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, would mark the Islamic Republics first major acquisition of foreign warplanes this century.

Set to arrive as early as this spring, the "fourth-generation ++" Su-35s would give the Iranian Air Force a substantial boost to its aging fleet, and set the stage for potential future exchanges of military equipment between the two powers.