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Sukhoi Su-35

Sukhoi · Fighter / Attack · Russia · Digital Age (2010–present)

Sukhoi Su-35 — Fighter / Attack
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The Sukhoi Su-35 (NATO reporting name Flanker-E) is a Russian twin-engine, single-seat, supersonic multirole fighter developed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau as the most heavily upgraded production member of the Su-27 family. Service entry with the Russian Aerospace Forces came in 2014, and the type now serves as Russia's principal air-superiority and multirole fighter alongside the next-generation Su-57. Improvements over the Su-27 baseline include thrust-vectoring AL-41F1S engines, the Irbis-E PESA radar, a glass cockpit, and expanded weapons compatibility. As of 2026, 110+ Su-35 / Su-35S are in active Russian service, with exports to China (24 delivered 2016-2018) and a cancelled Egyptian order (2020-2022).

Dimensions run to roughly 71 ft (21.9 m) length and a 50-ft (15.2 m) wingspan, with empty weight near 41,800 lb and maximum take-off weight 76,000 lb. Power comes from two Saturn-Lyulka AL-41F1S afterburning turbofans rated at ~19,400 lbf dry and ~31,900 lbf with afterburner each — well above the original Su-27 AL-31F output. Top speed is Mach 2.25 (~1,500 mph at altitude), service ceiling 59,000 ft, and typical combat radius around 800 nmi. Distinctive features include 3D thrust-vectoring nozzles (pitch and yaw), the Irbis-E PESA radar (~250 nmi detection range against fighter-class targets, ~30 simultaneous tracks), a glass cockpit, and 12 external hardpoints carrying 17,600 lb of stores including R-77, R-37, Kh-31, Kh-35, Kh-58, and Kh-29 weapons.

Russian combat use has been heavy since 2015. Operations in Syria from 2015 onward saw the Su-35 fly air-superiority and escort missions, and the type has been engaged throughout the Russia-Ukraine war from 2022 onward, including reported air-to-air engagements against Ukrainian aircraft. Performance has been mixed: limited integration against Western-supplied Ukrainian air defence systems, and uneven results against Ukrainian R-27 / R-73 missile employment. Su-35 combat losses through 2024 stand at roughly 5+ — a comparatively light tally relative to other Russian types lost in the war. Production runs at Sukhoi's KnAAPO plant in Komsomolsk-on-Amur, with a Russian programme target of 150-200 airframes by 2030. Export deliveries comprise 24 to China between 2016 and 2018 (operating alongside the J-11 in PLAAF service); the Egyptian contract for 24 aircraft was halted in 2020-2022 under U.S. CAATSA sanctions pressure.

For Kids — a shorter, friendlier version

The Sukhoi Su-35 Flanker-E is Russia's most modern non-stealth fighter. It is an upgraded version of the older Su-27, with new engines, better radar, and modern electronics. The Su-35 first flew in 2008 and entered Russian service in 2014.

The Su-35 has two Saturn AL-41F1S engines together making over 64,000 pounds of thrust. Top speed is Mach 2.25, faster than a rifle bullet. Both engine nozzles can tilt up, down, left, or right, letting the plane do tight turns that other fighters cannot match. This is called thrust vectoring.

The Su-35 carries a 30 mm cannon plus 12 weapon stations holding missiles and bombs. The Irbis-E radar can spot enemy planes 250 miles away, longer than most fighters. Russia has about 120 Su-35s today, with more being built. China bought 24 Su-35s in 2015, the first export sale.

The Su-35 has flown in combat over Syria, where it helped protect Russian Su-24 and Su-34 bombers. It has also flown in Ukraine, with some lost to Ukrainian missiles. Russia plans to keep building Su-35s until the new Su-57 stealth fighter is in full production.

Fun Facts

  • The Su-35's thrust-vectoring engines can tilt to make tight turns.
  • Top speed is Mach 2.25, faster than a rifle bullet.
  • The Irbis-E radar can spot enemy planes 250 miles away.
  • Russia has about 120 Su-35s; China bought 24 in 2015.
  • Each Su-35 costs about $85 million, similar to an F-35.
  • The Su-35 is the most modern non-stealth Russian fighter.
  • Russia keeps building Su-35s while the stealth Su-57 ramps up.

Kids’ Questions

What is thrust vectoring?

Thrust vectoring means the engine nozzles can tilt up, down, left, or right. By tilting the nozzles, the plane can turn very tightly, almost spin in place. The Su-35 has 3D thrust vectoring (both engines can tilt in any direction), making it one of the most maneuverable fighters ever built. This is great for close air combat.

Why not stealth?

Stealth costs a lot of money and reduces speed and maneuverability. Russia has stealth fighters (the Su-57) but cannot make many. The Su-35 is a back-up plan: very capable in air combat, but easy to spot on radar. Russia mostly uses Su-35s where stealth is less important, and saves Su-57s for stealth missions.

How does it compare to an F-22?

The F-22 Raptor is stealth (hard to see on radar) and the Su-35 is not. In close-up dogfighting, the Su-35 can match or beat an F-22 thanks to its thrust vectoring. But the F-22 has stealth and better radar, so it can usually shoot first from far away. The Su-35 would have trouble against an F-22 in modern air combat.

Variants

Su-35S (current Russian production)
Current production variant for the Russian Aerospace Forces. 110+ delivered, with the full Irbis-E radar suite and expanded weapons compatibility.
Su-35BM (initial 2008-2012, now superseded)
Initial 2008-2012 variant predating Irbis-E radar integration. Most airframes were brought up to Su-35S standard.
Su-35 (Chinese export designation)
Chinese export variant. 24 delivered 2016-2018 to the PLAAF, operating with the 6th Brigade. Russia has alleged unauthorised Chinese technology transfer feeding into subsequent J-11D / J-16 development.

Notable Operators

Russian Aerospace Forces
Primary operator. 110+ Su-35S in service. Combat-deployed in the Russia-Ukraine war from 2022 with light losses.
China (PLAAF)
Export customer. 24 Su-35 delivered 2016-2018.
Egypt (cancelled, 2020-2022)
Order cancelled / paused under U.S. CAATSA sanctions pressure. Around 5 partially built airframes are believed to have remained at Russian production facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Su-35 differ from Su-27?

Powerplant, sensors, cockpit, and weapons all step up. AL-41F1S thrust-vectoring engines deliver more thrust and manoeuvrability, the Irbis-E PESA radar extends detection range and track count, and the glass cockpit handles a wider weapons set including R-37, R-77, and Kh-58. The Su-35 represents roughly 70% redesign relative to the Su-27 baseline.

Has Su-35 been combat-deployed in Ukraine?

Yes, heavily since 2022, with multiple reported air-to-air engagements against Ukrainian aircraft. Combat losses through 2024: 5+. Operational performance has been mixed.

What is Irbis-E radar?

A Russian PESA radar with ~250 nmi detection range against fighter-class targets and ~30 simultaneous tracks. It far exceeds the original Su-27 radar and reaches operational parity with Western AESA sets, though the PESA architecture itself is an older technology generation.

How does Su-35 compare to F-15EX?

Both are 4.5-generation fighters. The Su-35 brings thrust-vectoring engines, Irbis-E PESA radar, and a glass cockpit. The F-15EX Eagle II carries the AN/APG-82 AESA radar, an updated cockpit, and a wider weapons set including the AIM-260 JATM and GBU-39 SDB. Performance class is similar; the F-15EX edges ahead in radar and EW, while the Su-35 retains a manoeuvrability advantage from thrust vectoring.

Why did Egypt cancel Su-35?

The U.S. Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) threatened sanctions against any state buying major Russian defence equipment. Egypt cancelled / paused Su-35 deliveries between 2020 and 2022 to avoid those sanctions, and subsequently shifted toward F-15, F-16, and KAI FA-50 procurement.

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