Iran To Discuss Su-30SM and T-90 Deals During Moscow Visit

Iran's Defence Minister Hossein Dehghan may discuss deals to buy Russian fighter Su-30SM jets and T-90 tanks during his visit to Moscow on April 26-27, Interfax news agency reported Friday.

"Obviously, Mr. Dehghan will meet his Russian counterpart, Sergei Shoigu. They will discuss various topics and this issue also could be raised. Quite possible," Interfax quoted an official at the Iranian embassy as saying. 

In February, Iran had sent a list of military hardware -- Su-30SM fighters, Mi-8 and Mi-17 choppers, Yak-130 advanced jet trainer along with other weapons that it was interested in buying from Russia in an $8 billion arms deal.  

Iran’s defense minister had issued a statement on the ministry of defense website last month saying: “Iran needs to seriously focus on the air force and fighters. We are moving toward a contract. We told them that we need to be involved in the production (of the plane) as well”.

Dehghan however, did not specify how many fighter planes Iran will buy, or give a timeline for the signing of the deal.