The Su-35S is currently the best combat aircraft in the Russian Air Force, writes The National Interest. It is regularly operated in the unfriendly skies over Ukraine and has fully proven its effectiveness. Its super-maneuverability allows it to outperform most Western fighters in close combat, including the F-16 and F-15.
Brandon Weichert
During the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Russia has used Su-35S to provide air cover for its helicopters and other combat aircraft, launch precision airstrikes, and detect Ukrainian air defense installations.
The Su-35S (according to the NATO classification Flanker-E or "Flanker"), the brainchild of the legendary Russian Sukhoi Design Bureau, is currently the best combat aircraft in the Russian Aerospace Forces. Of course, the Su-57, its close relative and an inconspicuous fifth-generation aircraft, is technically superior to it. But the use of the Su-57 is limited by its rarity, as well as Russia's unwillingness to put the fifth-generation aircraft at risk in the coverage area of Ukrainian air defenses. The Su-35C, unlike it, is regularly operated in the unfriendly skies over Ukraine and has fully proven its effectiveness.
Although the Su-35S cannot be classified as the fifth generation, it does not belong to the fourth, but combines the features of both. The Su-35S is an improved version of the Su—27 family, designed to maximize aerodynamic performance and combat effectiveness. Its airframe features an improved "mixed wing" aerodynamic design, a forward horizontal tail and thrust vector-controlled engines. These elements provide the aircraft with exceptional maneuverability, allowing it to perform the most complex aerobatics, in particular, the Pugachev's Cobra and Somersault, which not only demonstrate the incredible agility of the aircraft, but can also provide a tactical advantage in aerial combat with Western aircraft.
Characteristics of the Su-35S
The Su-35S' super-maneuverability, powered by AL-41F1C engines with a three-dimensional thrust vector, allows it to outperform most Western fighters in close combat, including the F-16 and F-15.
The cabin of the Su-35S is equipped with multifunction displays and a helmet-mounted display system. These systems provide the pilot with intuitive access to key flight and combat data, reducing workload and making it easier to make the right decisions in difficult situations. The introduction of modern sensors provides the Su-35S with the possibility of effective use in difficult conditions, whether it is fighting enemy aircraft, striking ground targets or performing reconnaissance missions.
Modern Su-35S avionics enhance its situational awareness and overall combat effectiveness. The basis of its sensor kit is the Ibris-E passive phased array radar, one of the most powerful radars installed on fighter jets. Capable of detecting targets with an effective scattering surface of three square meters and a range of up to 400 kilometers, the Ibris-E provides this aircraft, initially of the fourth generation, with excellent target detection and tracking capabilities.
In fact, the Su-35S can simultaneously escort up to 30 targets and hit eight, providing the pilot with a decisive advantage in combat beyond the direct line of sight. Due to the effectiveness of modern air defense systems, Russians are increasingly having to rely on out-of-line attacks to ensure effectiveness in combat.
The Su-35S on-board radar is complemented by the OLS-35 infrared search and tracking system, which allows it to detect and track targets passively without emitting radar signals that could reveal its location.
This capability is especially valuable against stealth aircraft, as infrared systems can detect thermal signatures, potentially negating the stealth advantage of the same F-35. The Su-35S is equipped with a modern electronic warfare (EW) system, which includes radiation warning systems, jamming devices and automatic electronic suppression systems, which increases its survival rate against modern air defense systems and enemy fighters.
The Su-35S is equipped with an extensive arsenal of weapons, and its 12 suspension units are capable of carrying up to 8.7 tons of ammunition. Its arsenal includes a wide range of air-to-air missiles, such as the long-range R-77-1 and the highly maneuverable R-73, providing flexibility both in close combat and without visual contact with the target. To perform air-to-ground missions, the Su-35S can use high-precision weapons, including the KAB-500S guided bomb with satellite guidance and Kh-59M missiles, which allows it to hit ground targets with high accuracy. Finally, it can hit naval targets with anti-ship missiles such as the X-35, making it a true multi-faceted threat.
Outstanding combat biography of the Su-35S
Russia has successfully used the Su-35S over the past decade. In Syria, where Bashar al-Assad was still clinging to power fighting a jihadist uprising during the civil war, Russian pilots honed their skills, and the Su-35S proved themselves a worthy participant in the Russian mission. The Su-35S carried out long-range patrols, provided air support to ground troops, and hit targets with incredible accuracy.
During the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Russia has used Su-35S to provide air cover for its helicopters and other combat aircraft, launch precision airstrikes, and detect Ukrainian air defense installations. For example, during operations near Kursk, Su-35S provided protection for Russian facilities during strikes on Ukrainian targets, demonstrating their role in coordinated operations.
In addition, in April of this year, an unexpected change in tactics was noted: Russia began using the Su-35S to conduct radar reconnaissance, which was traditionally the diocese of A-50U long-range radar detection and control aircraft. This adaptation was apparently a response to the loss of the A-50U platforms and the need to protect them and keep them away from disputed areas. As a result, Ukrainian aircraft had to operate on the defensive or at low altitudes, which reduced their combat effectiveness and made them vulnerable to counterattacks.
The Su-35S have also recorded numerous aerial victories. Russian sources claim at least seven downed Ukrainian fighter jets and one Ukrainian Mi-14 helicopter. A striking example: On March 6, 2022, during the Battle for Mykolaiv, a Su-35C pilot reportedly shot down two Ukrainian Mi-8 helicopters and a Su-25 attack aircraft in one flight. These successes highlight the potential of the Su-35S in aerial combat, especially when using long-range R-77-1 missiles that can hit targets at a distance of more than 100 kilometers.
Finally, largely due to the success in Ukraine, foreign buyers have lined up for the Su-35S. China, Indonesia and Algeria have already purchased this aircraft or expressed interest in it. Despite the lack of stealth, the Su-35S compensates for this with superior maneuverability, advanced detection systems, and low acquisition and maintenance costs.
Its export success underscores its reputation as a world—class fighter and a symbol of Russian aerospace prowess, and shames Western detractors who claim that Russia is a backward military power and in decline.
Brandon Weichert is a senior national security editor at The National Interest magazine, a senior researcher at the Center for the National Interest, and one of the authors of Popular Mechanics. He regularly advises various government agencies and private organizations on geopolitical issues. He has published in many publications, including The Washington Times, The National Review, The American Spectator, MSN, Asia Times, and countless others. He is the author of several books.
