Sukhoi Su-35

The Sukhoi Su‑35 is a highly advanced, multirole fighter aircraft developed by Russia’s Sukhoi Design Bureau. Its origins trace back to the MiG‑29M/ME program of the early 1990s, but the project was revived in 2006 when the Russian Air Force sought a super‑maneuverable platform to replace aging fleets. First flown in 2008 and entering service in 2014, the Su‑35 incorporates a thrust‑vectoring, three‑engine configuration and a digital fly‑by‑wire system that together give it unparalleled agility and a turn rate exceeding 20 degrees per second. Key features include the Irbis‑E passive electronically scanned array radar, capable of tracking 30 targets and engaging eight simultaneously, and a powerful AL‑31F‑turbo‑fan engine delivering 14,000 kgf of thrust with afterburner. The aircraft’s avionics suite integrates an advanced electronic warfare system, helmet‑mounted display and a robust weapons envelope that accommodates air‑to‑air missiles, precision‑guided bombs and anti‑ship weapons. In aviation history, the Su‑35 represents a bridge between fourth‑generation fighters and the emerging fifth‑generation paradigm, showcasing Russia’s capacity to produce a cost‑effective, high‑performance combat jet that remains competitive on the modern battlefield. It has also been exported to several allied nations, enhancing their air defense capabilities.

Sukhoi Design Bureau

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