499 Russia To Arm Iran With 5th Gen Su-57 Fighters To Crush Israeli Air Superiority?

11 Feb 2026Russia has reportedly signed contracts to export its fifth-generation Su-57 fighter jets to Iran, potentially altering the regional air power balance. The Su-57, with its stealth capabilities and combat experience, would challenge Israel’s air superiority, currently the only country in the Middle East operating such advanced fighters. This move underscores Iran’s efforts to modernise its ageing fleet and enhance its layered deterrence strategy.