Iran to Purchase Sukhoi-30 Fighter Jets From Russia

[AmirPatriot]

interservice rivalries and politics

The main inter-service rivalry is between the IRGC and the regular military, the Artesh. The IRGC's extreme importance in the war with Iraq, current overseas operations, as well as Iran's missile development, has granted it a powerful position in Iran's establishment. Most of Iran's military leaders are former IRGC commanders, and a few politicians are in this position as well (though, this may simply be because of conscription). The IRGC has a position in the economy, with its own engineering firm, and even a newspaper. Most importantly, they have a bigger than budget than Iran's Air Force, Navy, and Army put together. Because of its important and influential position, the IRGC can make a strong case for why an air force is not as important as a strong missile program. More recently, the IRGC's efforts in developing the IRIADF (air defence force), have brought even more reason for reducing funding in the IRIAF.

In addition to all of this, there is a self-sufficiency drive. Iranian leaders haven't forgotten how, in the war with Iraq, the IRIAF suffered greatly because of a lack of spare parts. Iran would prefer to rely on its own projects, and we do indeed have domestic fighter projects. But they are not particularly far along, so I don't count this as much of an issue, especially when Iran is intending to license build the Su-30, which will please many politicians.

Thankfully, Iran resolved to do something about the IRIAF. Iran's Defence Minister, Hossein Dehqan (former IRGC...) said in an interview last month that Iran will now focus on developing the air force.

 

[OldTwilight]

Well , Government is the one who supposed to gave money to Artesh but this government even reduce Artesh budget and even IRGC has to rely on its money ....