Russia’s Su-35S Fighter Jet

The Su-35S, an advanced multirole fighter, is a cutting-edge evolution of the iconic Su-27, a symbol of Russian military aviation from the late 20th century.

The Su-35S boasts remarkable advancements that enhance its performance in both close-range and long-range air combat.

One of the Su-35S’s key strengths is its modern digital systems, which allow it to seamlessly communicate and coordinate with other aircraft in complex, multi-jet missions. These capabilities provide an advantage in modern aerial warfare, where coordination and real-time intelligence are essential.

Additionally, according to Russia’s state corporation Rostec, the Su-35S has no angle-of-attack limits, meaning it can execute extreme maneuvers, including highly agile and supermaneuverable actions that give it a unique edge over most of its adversaries.

Among its most notable maneuvers is the ability to perform a minimum-radius dead loop—a nearly on-the-spot turn—that offers a tactical advantage in dogfights. This is more than just an impressive display of aerial agility; it is a combat technique that can decide the outcome of an aerial engagement.

The current Su-35S first emerged as the Su-35BM (Bolshaya). Modernization) around 2005, following a comprehensive modernization program aimed at revitalizing the existing Flanker E fleet.

The Su-35BM was designed to excel in both Beyond Visual Range (BVR) and close air combat. It employs a suite of smart air-to-surface munitions and sophisticated avionics to maintain superiority over international competitors.

Despite its advanced features, the Su-35S has faced multiple challenges in the Ukrainian theater. The Su-34s are regarded as one of the most advanced supersonic strike aircraft in the Russian Air Force. However, several Su-35s have been lost in combat, including one off the coast of Crimea in March.

According to the Dutch open-source intelligence defense analysis website Oryx, Russia has lost seven Su-35 fighter jets since February 2022. For Russia to sustain its ongoing invasion of Ukraine, maintaining the operational readiness of its Su-35S aircraft will be crucial.

The fighter jets have primarily been assigned to close-air-support missions, flying at high speeds toward the front lines and releasing KAB precision glide bombs from distances of up to 25 miles away.

This allows them to strike targets while maintaining a safe distance from enemy defenses. As the Ukraine conflict continues, the performance and survivability of these advanced fighters will be a key factor in Russia’s air power strategy.