Iran Plans Buying SU-30 Fighters, Mi-17 and Mi-8 Choppers, Weapons In $8 Billion Deal With Russia

Iran has sent a list of military hardware that includes Su-30SM fighters, Mi-8 and Mi-17 choppers, Yak-130 advanced jet trainer along with other weapons in a $8 billion arms deal from Russia.

"Tehran has already sent a list of military hardware that Iranian Armed Forces would like to purchase from Moscow," Kommersant news daily reported citing unnamed sources.

Sputnik reported Tuesday that the list has already reached the Russian Ministry of Defense and the government has already seen it.

The list also includes K-300P Bastion-P mobile coastal defense missile systems, frigates and diesel-electric submarines, the news report said.

Iranian Defense Minister Hossein Dehgan is likely to sign a contract for the Su-30 purchase during his visit to Moscow later this month, Iranian and Russian media outlets reported last Thursday.

Iran needs to "seriously focus on the air force and fighters," Iranian defense minister Hossein Dehgan said adding "We are moving toward a contract. We told them that we need to be involved in the production (of the plane) as well," Hossein was quoted as saying in a statement published on the Iranian ministry of defense website.

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

Tehran, according to the Kommersant, could also ask Moscow's help in repairing Iran's fleet of the Mikoyan MiG-29s, Sukhoi Su-24MKs and submarines.