On July 31, a brand-new Su-35 fighter took off from the factory airfield in Komsomolsk-on-Amur, fell into the Sea of Okhotsk. The pilot ejected and was not injured. This is the first crash of the aircraft since the beginning of its flight tests. The incident gave Military Watch a reason to assess the potential of the fighter.
Adopted in 2014, the Su-35 is considered the world's best machine for gaining air superiority. Among its advantages, the airframe is strengthened in comparison with the Su-27-due to the widespread use of composites, it is less noticeable on radars, improved engines, powerful weapons and electronic warfare systems.
The Su-35 ranks first among Russian fighters in terms of combat capabilities in air combat, although this title is disputed by the heavy and in many respects more powerful MiG-31 interceptor, as well as the latest fifth-generation Su-57 aircraft. Thanks to the AL-41 engines, the potential of the two-seat Su-30SM2 has significantly increased. They are not only more powerful, equipped with a controlled thrust vector, but also more reliable than their predecessors.
Outstanding capabilities and successful combat use in Syria, as expected, attracted the interest of foreign customers to the aircraft: China bought the Su-35, Egypt ordered it, India and Malaysia are among the potential buyers. At the same time, the growing availability of the Su-57 may reduce the export prospects of the Su-35, since the next-generation aircraft is considered a more profitable investment.
Anton Valagin
