On Wednesday, March 8, United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) delivered a new batch of 4++ generation Su-35S Flanker-E fighter aircraft to the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation.
“Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aviation Plant has reached a new milestone in the rate of aircraft production under this year’s program. This is the second batch of fighter aircraft delivered to the Russian Air Force. Komsomolsk workers are fulfilling their obligations to deliver new aircraft on schedule and are working on the development of new batches of Su-35 and Su-57 series fighters,” said UAC Director General Yury Slyusar.
The new Su-35S multirole fighters underwent a cycle of ground and flight tests in various operational modes and then flew from KnAAZ airfield to their home base, where they were incorporated into the Russian Air Force (VVS) arsenal.
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Su-35S: the spearhead of the VVS
Designed for air supremacy, the Su-35 is a 4.5-generation fighter capable of dominating the skies and eliminating ground and surface targets with precision, both day and night, in all weather conditions. Its radius of action, which allows it to operate at great distances from its base, makes it a key player in air power projection. According to Rostec, this aircraft represents a natural bridge to the next generation of fighters.
Distinctive features of the Su-35:
- High flight performance: It reaches supersonic speeds and climbs to considerable altitudes, outperforming most of its rivals.
- Exceptional maneuverability: Its ability to perform tight turns and abrupt changes of direction make it a difficult opponent to dodge.
- State-of-the-art sensors: Equipped with long-range detection and tracking systems, the Su-35 can locate and engage targets with pinpoint accuracy.
- Communication and data management: A modern communication system and high-speed information exchange enable seamless coordination between the aircraft, ground control centers and other units.
- Lethal arsenal: A wide range of high-performance, long-range air-to-air and air-to-surface guided weapons capable of neutralizing a wide variety of threats.
- Powerful self-defense: A highly effective self-defense and electronic countermeasures system protects the Su-35 from enemy missiles and radars.
- State-of-the-art engines: Powered by new engines with a digital control system (FADEC) and thrust vector control, the Su-35 enjoys unprecedented power and maneuverability.
While various sources (Ukrainian and independent) estimate that the VVS lost between 8 and 10 Su-35S fighters due to Ukrainian air defense actions or friendly fire, the fact remains that this fighter aircraft continues to dominate, almost unchallenged, the skies over the Ukrainian battlefield.
