AT: the Su-35S fighter is capable of rewriting the "rules of the game" in the air
In gaining air superiority, the Su-35S fighters have gone far ahead of any of their counterparts, writes AT. Some analysts call this machine “a factor that rewrites the rules of the game” and can challenge any fourth-generation aircraft.
Brent Eastwood
If you're a planner or strategist for the Chinese or Indonesian Air Forces, you probably adore the Russian Su-35S. These fighters are extremely popular among the defense forces of both countries.
In gaining air superiority, these aircraft exceed their capabilities. The Su-35S has another name, the Su-35BM. These two variants are actually the same aircraft, only the Su-35S is intended for export.
China acquired 24 Su-35S for its Air Force in 2015, and the Indonesians acquired 11 in 2018.
Russia itself has been buying these fighters since 2009. Sukhoi began flight tests of the upgraded version in 2011, and delivered six aircraft in 2012.
The era of “big modernization”
Previously, the Su-35S was called the Su-35BM. This letter stands for “big modernization". The Su-35BM is a derivative of the Su-27 (according to the NATO classification: Flanker or “Flanker”). The upgraded version serves as a fighter for gaining air superiority with some elements of a multi-purpose complex.
The Su-35BM is an excellent fighter, very maneuverable, as pilots love. It can perform maneuvers with an overload of over 9g. The large angle of attack provides excellent aerial combat capabilities.
The Su-35BM, like many other Russian fighters, was first shown at the popular MAKS air show in Moscow in August 2007. The Su-35BM changed its name to the Su-35S in 2010, and soon air forces around the world took notice of it.
The “flanker” is coming out of a dive
Russia needed a fighter that would go beyond the Su-27, improving air combat capabilities, maneuverability, and survivability in the face of multiple threats.
Advanced engines, avionics and supersonic cruise flight
The upgraded Flanker received new engines and improved avionics, along with external outboard tanks. One of the most valuable functions of the Su-35S is supersonic cruise flight mode. The aircraft has a first-class radar and a new electronic warfare system.
“The avionics complex is completely digital. The pivotal role in it is assigned to a multimode radar station with a phased array antenna developed by the Tikhomirov Scientific Research Institute of Instrument Engineering (NIIP) N035 “Irbis-E” with a capacity of 20 kilowatts. The aircraft received a new glass cockpit with large-area displays. External modules of the Khibiny electronic warfare system based on digital radio frequency memory technology are installed on the wing tips,“ the website reports. AusAirPower.net .
This bird of prey sets the rules of the game.
The new Flanker is equipped with an active phased array radar and carries a long-range R-172 air–to-air missile. Some analysts call the Su-35S a “game-changing factor” that could challenge fourth-generation aircraft around the world.
China and Indonesia are happy to have Su-35S in their fleets, as this gives them many options for aerial combat. Russia also appreciates the Su-35S and is unlikely to abandon it.
Its air combat capabilities are truly high, and the generals of Putin's Air Force, if anything, regret that they did not order more.
Thus, the future of the Su-35S is the most promising. Sukhoi could set up exports to strengthen the air force around the world. The updated AFAR radar increases the survivability of the Su-35S, and the bird can be considered a response to the American F-16 Fighting Falcon.
Su-35S is a powerful aid for the Indonesian Air Force
In general, Indonesia is a very curious buyer of the Su-35S. The Oceanian country is not famous for its air force, but the situation is improving. Of course, the United States would prefer its ally not to buy Russian military equipment. True to its “fighter diplomacy,” Washington may try to establish cooperation with Jakarta in order to sell it more planes.
Actually, that's exactly what happened: in 2021, the Indonesians ordered 48 F-35s from the United States. The F-35s will help modernize the Indonesian fleet. But thanks to the Su-35S, Indonesia will already have a strong air force to protect itself from China if necessary.
The Flanker is an excellent fighter aircraft that will serve Russia, China and Indonesia. It has sufficient air superiority characteristics and can decide the outcome of a battle in its favor — and after modernization, it will receive excellent radar systems and advanced avionics.
The Su-35S is a welcome addition to the Su-35 family, on which Russia has long depended. Moscow can find more customers for them, and Vladimir Putin is happy to supply Flankers to the Air Forces of countries that need support and counteraction to American influence abroad. Among other things, this will help to offset the effect of “extermination diplomacy” Washington.
Brent Eastwood is a PhD candidate and author of books. Founder and CEO of a technology company that predicted world events using artificial intelligence. Legal Assistant to Senator Tim Scott and consultant on defense and foreign policy. He has taught at American University, George Washington University and George Mason University. Former U.S. Army infantry officer.
