Kenneth Williams wrote:
Now I'm really confused. I got out two fairly new aircraft reference
books to verify the aircraft listed and both list the Su-27 in Syrian
inventory. These books a

- the Directory of Military Aircraft of the World 2001 by Peter March
- the Pocket Guide to Military Aircraft and the World's Airforces 2001
by David Donald

These books also fail to list the Su-25 in Iranian inventory.

I don't have an updated Jane's All the World's Aircraft but could
someone please check the latest volume and see if the information is
the same?

I see you disagree Tom, but every book and online source I've seen
says otherwise. The facts seem to be that 14 Su-27s were purchased by
Syria in 2000 and remain there, operational by the Syrian AF.

I also can't find any reference material that supports your claim that
the Iranian AF actually flies the Su-25. It is my belief that the
aircraft are kept as war trophies and used for propaganda purposes. If
not can you provide some information on the training units for this
aircraft and/or proof of operation?

Kenneth Williams

Kenneth,
There is no operational Flankers in the Syrian inventory. They were in the
country, but left after their stay. This is the reason that Coalition forces
in the immediate region do not have the Flanker down on the threat list. The
Iranians also operate the Frogfoot and this year obtained more for their
inventory to boost their existing ex-Iraqi fleet. This year (July 2003) the
Iranians released a report to the press on recent military developments:

"TEHRAN (Reuters) - Iran said on Sunday its Revolutionary Guards had been
armed with a new medium-range missile, which analysts say could hit Israel
or U.S. bases in the Middle East, after successful tests of the weapon. The
deployment of the Shahab-3 missile, announced by state television, comes as
Iran faces mounting scrutiny about a nuclear energy program which Washington
says may be a front for a covert bid to make atomic arms. State television
showed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who heads Iran's Islamic power
structure, attending a military parade where at least one Shahab-3 was on
display. Iran announced earlier this month it had successfully completed
tests on the Shahab-3, which analysts say is based on the North Korean
Nodong-1 missile but has been improved with Russian technology. Its range is
about 1,300 km (800 miles). Russian-built Sukhoi Su-25 Frogfoot close
support aircraft, attack and transport helicopters were also handed over on
Sunday to the Revolutionary Guards"

Radio broadcast:

"Iran's official Voice of the Islamic Republic Radio reported July 20 that
the missiles were turned over to the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps
(IRGC). Also supplied were Su-25 jet fighters and transport and attack
helicopters."

TJ