The United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), a key entity in Russia’s aerospace industry, has delivered its first batch of new Su-35S fighter jets to the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS). This handover, announced by UAC, represents a significant step in Moscow’s ongoing efforts to reinforce its military aviation capabilities.
The newly delivered Su-35S aircraft, classified as generation 4++ fighters, underwent extensive factory testing before being cleared for operational service. The VKS technical crews rigorously examined the aircraft, while pilots conducted test flights under various conditions to assess their combat readiness. Following the successful completion of these trials, the aircraft were transferred to their designated home bases, signaling their full integration into the active service fleet.
Vladimir Artiakov, the first deputy general director of Rostec, the state-owned conglomerate overseeing UAC, emphasized the reliability of Russia’s aircraft manufacturers in meeting the military’s demands. “Our producers are fulfilling their obligations to deliver new aviation equipment to the troops in good faith,” he said in a statement. He confirmed that the initial batch is part of a broader plan to supply serial fighters throughout the year, with additional aircraft in various stages of production.
The Su-35S, developed by Sukhoi, is an evolution of the Soviet-era Su-27 Flanker series. This advanced multirole fighter boasts superior avionics, powerful engines, and exceptional maneuverability.
- Twin Saturn AL-41F1S engines with thrust-vectoring nozzles for supermaneuverability, enabling tight turns and complex aerial maneuvers.
- A top speed exceeding 1,500 miles per hour and a range of roughly 2,200 miles without refueling, ensuring tactical flexibility and extended mission capability.
- The Irbis-E passive electronically scanned array (PESA) radar, capable of detecting targets up to 250 miles away, enhancing pilots’ situational awareness.
- A diverse arsenal that includes air-to-air missiles like the R-77 and R-27, and air-to-ground weapons such as the Kh-29 missile and KAB-500 guided bombs.
For the Russian Aerospace Forces, the Su-35S is a cornerstone of modern fighter operations, bridging the gap between legacy Soviet aircraft and the fifth-generation Su-57 stealth fighter. With Russia maintaining an estimated fleet of approximately 100 Su-35s, this aircraft plays a crucial role in securing air superiority and executing precision strikes.
The delivery of these Su-35S fighters comes at a critical time for Russia, as its air force faces ongoing attrition in the Ukraine conflict. Open-source intelligence, including data from Oryx, suggests that at least 134 Russian military aircraft have been lost since the war began, with the Su-35 among the targeted models.
A notable incident occurred when a Ukrainian drone strike reportedly damaged or destroyed a Su-35 at Akhtubinsk airbase. While the jet has primarily been deployed for long-range strike missions, Russia has been cautious about exposing it to frontline combat due to the presence of advanced Western-supplied air defense systems like the Patriot and NASAMS.
Vadim Badekha, CEO of UAC, acknowledged these challenges while reaffirming efforts to ramp up production. “Our main task is to increase the production rates of in-demand military products,” he stated. He confirmed that higher output levels for the Su-34, Su-35, and Su-57 aircraft are planned for the current year.
The Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aviation Plant, responsible for assembling the Su-35S, has been central to UAC’s production push. However, the aerospace industry faces constraints due to workforce shortages and sanctions that restrict access to foreign components. To mitigate these issues, UAC has been strengthening domestic supply chains and investing in workforce training to accelerate production.
Beyond Russia, the Su-35 has gained international interest. China became the first foreign operator in 2016, purchasing 24 jets in a $2 billion deal. The People’s Liberation Army Air Force has since incorporated the aircraft into its patrol operations in contested regions such as the South China Sea. Algeria has also emerged as a confirmed operator, while reports suggest Iran may have acquired a limited number of Su-35s despite diplomatic sensitivities and international sanctions.
In the global fighter jet market, the Su-35S is often compared to Western counterparts like the American F-15EX Eagle II and the European Eurofighter Typhoon.
- The F-15EX features superior radar range and payload capacity but lacks the Su-35’s agility due to its absence of thrust-vectoring engines.
- The Eurofighter Typhoon provides a balance of speed, stealth, and coalition interoperability, advantages that the Su-35 cannot fully match due to its standalone Russian design.
- On the Eastern front, China’s J-16, a derivative of the Su-27, is a close competitor but falls behind in engine performance and radar technology.
The Su-35’s development reflects Russia’s post-Cold War strategy to modernize its air force while leveraging Soviet engineering expertise. Entering service in 2014, the aircraft prioritizes raw performance over stealth—a contrast to the U.S.’s F-35 Lightning II, which emphasizes low observability and networked warfare. This trade-off has sparked debates about the Su-35’s relevance in an era where stealth and electronic warfare are becoming dominant factors in aerial combat.
The war in Ukraine has provided a proving ground for the Su-35, revealing both its strengths and vulnerabilities. While Russian pilots commend its firepower and maneuverability, its susceptibility to advanced air defenses limits its operational use in high-threat environments.
As sanctions continue to impact Russia’s aerospace sector, Rostec and UAC have doubled down on domestic production efforts. Despite facing technological and logistical hurdles, they remain committed to delivering additional Su-35S units to the VKS throughout the year.
With its blend of advanced avionics, powerful weaponry, and international interest, the Su-35S is poised to remain a key asset in Russia’s military strategy. The latest deliveries mark just the beginning of what promises to be a pivotal year for Russia’s aviation sector, as it seeks to maintain aerial dominance in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.
