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Iran Buys $21 Billion in Aircraft, Satellites from Russia

Iranian delegation at #MAKS2015

Iran has purchased $21 billion worth of Russian satellite technology and aircraft, according to Iranian officials.

An Iranian delegation reportedly visited Russia’s MAKS-2015 air show and signed an agreement to purchase the equipment, according to Sputnik, which quoted Iranian officials.

"There is a large share of contracts for the purchase of this type of aircraft," Manouchehr Mantegh, an Iranian technology and aviation official, reportedly disclosed, according to Sputnik.

This includes "satellite-related equipment" and the Sukhoi Superjet, a twin-engine passenger plane, according to the report.

The official did not reveal the total number of jets to be purchased.

Tehran has expressed interest in the past in purchasing this type of hardware from the Russians.

Meanwhile, a senior Iranian official on Tuesday emphasized the country’s commitment to destroying its enemies.

Iran will deliver a "crushing response" to any country that attempts to wage war against it, General Seyed Ali Mehrabi, lieutenant commander of Iran’s Army Ground Force for Operations, was quoted as saying by the country’s state-controlled Fars News Agency.

"The enemy is aware that Iran is an important place for all Muslims and an influential country in the region and even the world, given its great capacities," Mehrabi was quoted as saying.

"Our Armed Forces have proved that if the enemy makes a mistake, they will give a strong and crushing response to them with all their power," he said.