Russia may provide Iran with fighter jets, Tehran also wants attack helicopters: US

Russia could provide fighter jets to Iran, according to US officials, as the two countries look to increase their defense cooperation with the Russian invasion of Ukraine entering its second year.

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters on Friday that Tehran had already shipped artillery and tanks to Russia last November. In return, Russia has offered an “unprecedented defense cooperation.”

This could include fighter jets and missiles, Kirby said. He added that Iran was also looking to buy attack helicopters and radars from Moscow.

“Iran is also seeking to purchase additional military equipment from Russia, including attack helicopters, radars and combat training aircraft. Iran is seeking billions of dollars’ worth of military equipment,” Kirby said.

Washington has warned countries against providing lethal aid to Russia, but Iran and North Korea have pushed ahead with weapons transfers.

“We were concerned it was going to go both ways, and those concerns are certainly being realized,” Kirby said.