A Russian Su-57 stealth fighter jet, known as the "Felon," reportedly made a rare and unexpected stop at Iran's Bandar Abbas airbase recently. This visit occurred while the jet was returning to Russia from Aero India 2025, an aerospace exhibition held in Bangalore, India. The Su-57's stop in Iran was primarily for refuelling, as the aircraft's range necessitates pit stops for long-distance flights. Typically, Russian jets would refuel at the Khmeimim Air Base in Syria, but due to the recent instability in Syria, Iran became a convenient alternative.

The Su-57 landed at Bandar Abbas airbase in Iran for refuelling. The jet was returning from Aero India 2025, where it showcased its capabilities. This marks the first known Su-57 landing in Iran, reflecting deepening Russia-Iran military ties. Iran is awaiting Su-35 deliveries from Russia, which will significantly modernize its air force.

According to these reports, the stop was a brief one—just long enough to refuel before continuing its journey home. The story aligns with the jet’s operational needs, given the vast distance between India and Russia, which exceeds 4,000 kilometers depending on the flight path.

Bandar Abbas is strategically located near the Persian Gulf, making it a convenient stop for refuelling, especially for aircraft travelling long distances like the Su-57, which has a subsonic range of about 3,500Km.

The Su-57's stop in Iran comes after Russia's military operations in Syria were disrupted, leading to the closure of the Khmeimim Air Base, which was previously used as a refuelling stop for Russian jets.

The stopover occurred amid deepening military ties between Russia and Iran, including ongoing discussions about Russian arms sales to Iran.

This event marks the first known instance of a Su-57 landing in Iran, providing Iranian military officials with an exclusive opportunity to observe the advanced fighter jet up close. The visit comes at a time when Iran is awaiting the delivery of Su-35 Flanker-E fighters from Russia, a deal that has been in progress since 2023.

The visit provided Iranian military officials with a rare opportunity to observe the Su-57 up close, which could influence future defence collaborations.

Despite no official confirmation from Russia or Iran, the lack of denial suggests that the stop was likely routine rather than a deliberate geopolitical gesture.

The Su-57's appearance in Iran highlights the deepening military ties between Russia and Iran, particularly since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Despite the lack of official confirmation from either Russia or Iran, the reports and videos circulating on social media suggest that this was a logistical necessity rather than a geopolitical gesture.

BM News