In the latest example of closer ties brought on by the lifting of international sanctions and isolation as part of the nuclear deal, Iran has purchased $21 billion in aircraft and satellite equipment from Russia, the Russian state-owned news website Sputnik reported Saturday.

Manouchehr Manteghi, the managing director of Iran Aviation Industries Organization, did not specify how many Sukhoi Superjet 100s were purchased, but characterized it as a “large share of contracts.” The Superjet is a twin-engine passenger plane.

In the past two months, Russia has promised Iran to help improve its centrifuge technology, sold Iran S-300 advanced surface-to-air missile systems, and held joint naval exercises in the Caspian Sea. Russia has also deployed troops and fighter jets to Syria to prop up the regime of Iranian ally Bashar al-Assad.

[Photo: SuperJet International / flickr]