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According to western media, Iran has significantly increased its military support to Russia, including the provision of thousands of Shahed combat drones and the establishment of a drone production facility on Russian soil. In a further intensification of this support, Iran has also delivered short-range ballistic missiles to Russia, as reported by CNN in September. It is highly likely that Iran will experience military repercussions following its significant missile strike on Israel on October 1, which was in support of its ally Hezbollah. In preparation for potential countermeasures, Tehran is reportedly evaluating advanced Russian military technologies, including S-400 surface-to-air missile systems, electronic warfare equipment, and fighter jets. These steps are part of Iran's broader strategy to bolster its defensive and offensive capabilities in the region. Iran has moved forward with modernizing its air force by securing a purchase of Russian Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets, according to statements from its deputy defense minister in late 2023. Although a deal has been confirmed for an unspecified number of aircraft, the specifics regarding the timeline for delivery remain unclear. This acquisition is part of Iran's broader effort to update its aging fleet of military aircraft with more advanced and capable systems. Since the onset of the Syrian Civil War in 2011, Iran and Russia have emerged as key allies of the Syrian regime, providing overt military support. Concurrently, Russia's relations with Western nations have deteriorated due to events such as the Russo-Ukrainian War, the 2018 Skripal poisoning incident in the UK, and alleged interference in Western political processes, leading to sanctions from the US and Europe. In response, Russia has deepened its military cooperation with Iran. Notably, after the JCPOA agreement was signed, President Vladimir Putin lifted the embargo on the S-300 missile system in 2015, leading to the completion of its delivery to Iran in November 2016. This was part of a broader $10 billion arms deal that included helicopters, planes, and artillery systems. In January 2021, Iran, China, and Russia conducted their third joint naval exercise in the northern Indian Ocean and the Sea of Oman, continuing a series of joint military exercises that began in 2019.
