The Russian Air Force has received another batch of Su-35S fighter jets. What does this mean for the balance of power?
The United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) has delivered another batch of Su-35S multi-role fighters to the Russian Aerospace Forces. With a range of approximately 3,600 km, these aircraft are capable of radically altering the balance of power in the air.
State media have already confirmed the delivery of the aircraft. The main mission of the new aircraft is to ensure air superiority and support frontline aviation during long-range strikes. In the combat zone, the Su-35Ss will perform a critical task: they will protect the controlled airspace from drones and cruise missiles.
The exact number of fighter jets delivered is traditionally not disclosed. However, the delivery is taking place strictly within the framework of the state defense order, which confirms the smooth operation of the production line. The Rostec State Corporation (which includes UAC) emphasizes that the Su-35S will form the backbone of the Russian fighter aviation’s combat capability.
A weighty argument hangs in the air
The Su-35S is a heavy multirole fighter capable of carrying out several combat missions in a single sortie.
Not only does it seize the initiative in the air, but it also strikes ground targets from an impressive distance. Back in April, TASS, citing Rostec, noted that the aircraft was designed specifically to strike enemy infrastructure far beyond the boundaries of its home airfield.
Military pilots describe the aircraft’s capabilities in very specific terms. According to them, the Su-35S intercepts air targets at long range, provides cover for strike groups and ground targets.
In addition, the equipment makes it possible to destroy drones, carry out precision strikes against ships and ground bases, and conduct in-depth reconnaissance behind enemy lines.
UAC CEO Vadim Badeha emphasizes the priority of defense contracts. He noted that supplying the military with operational-tactical aircraft remains the company’s primary objective, and that production rates are being maintained through continuous optimization of factory processes.
Cutting-Edge Technology and Real-World Experience
The Su-35S is equipped with two powerful AL-41F1 turbojet engines with afterburners.
Each engine produces up to 14,500 kgf of thrust. Thanks to these engines, the heavy fighter can reach a speed of 2.25 Mach, climb to an altitude of 18 km, and fly 3,600 km without refueling.
With 12 suspension points, the aircraft can carry up to eight metric tons of payload. Its exceptional maneuverability, powerful onboard self-defense system, and advanced electronics make it an extremely difficult target in combat.
This latest batch only reinforces the Su-35S’s status as the cornerstone of tactical aviation. The aircraft is equally effective in both defensive and offensive operations, even when the enemy is actively deploying air defense systems.
In recent years, the Russian Ministry of Defense has been relying primarily on the Su-35S. The fighter conducts combat patrols, escorts bombers, and clears the skies. At Rostec itself, the aircraft is even referred to as the absolute record-holder for the number of successful intercepts of enemy aircraft.
Source — https://dzen.ru/a/aeeg5bEMKAzysTEK
