![](https://gallery.trendydigests.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Su-35-6-1.jpg)
The conflict in Ukraine persists beyond initial projections, the highly-vaunted Russian Su-35 “Flanker-E” has encountered substantial difficulties in achieving air superiority, contrary to expectations set by its advanced technological profile.
![](https://gallery.trendydigests.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Su-35-1.png)
Despite being an upgraded derivative of the Su-27 platform, the Su-35 has failed to establish air dominance over the Ukrainian skies, bringing to light significant tactical and operational challenges for Russia’s air force.
![](https://gallery.trendydigests.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Su-35-2-1.jpg)
The Su-35, visually distinguishable from the Su-27 by its forward-placed canards and reshaped wing leading-edge extensions, was designed for superior maneuverability and is capable of sustaining flight at up to 10gs.
![](https://gallery.trendydigests.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Su-35-3-1.jpg)
Its sophisticated fly-by-wire system and advanced flight surfaces suggest a dominance in aerial combat.
![](https://gallery.trendydigests.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Su-35-4-1.jpg)
The aircraft is further equipped with a phase-arrayed N011 Bars radar system capable of tracking multiple targets beyond the horizon, significantly outperforming the N001 Myech radar on the Su-27.
![](https://gallery.trendydigests.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Su-35-5-1.jpg)
Dual Saturn Al-41F1S turbofan engines propel the Su-35 to a top speed of Mach 2.25, providing a formidable combination of speed and agility.
![](https://gallery.trendydigests.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Su-35-1-1.jpg)
Despite these capabilities, the Su-35 has not lived up to its intended role in Ukraine.
![](https://gallery.trendydigests.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Su-35-9.jpg)
The aircraft has sustained notable losses, including the widely reported downing off the coast of Sevastopol, Crimea.
![](https://gallery.trendydigests.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Su-35-8.jpg)
Footage from the incident showed a jet spiraling into the sea, indicative of the hostile anti-air environment that Russian pilots face over Ukraine.
![](https://gallery.trendydigests.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Su-35-7-1.jpg)
In February alone, Ukrainian forces claimed the destruction of thirteen Russian aircraft, two of which were Su-35s.
![](https://gallery.trendydigests.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Su-5-1.jpg)
Overall, the Russian Air Force has reportedly lost 95 jets since February 2022, averaging four per month, a rate which surged in February 2024 to 60 aircraft written off per month.
![](https://gallery.trendydigests.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Su-4-1.jpg)
The inability to secure airspace has resulted in a protracted and attrition-heavy conflict, where substantial casualties have been endured by both sides.
![](https://gallery.trendydigests.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Su-1-1.jpg)
Moreover, the Su-35’s advanced systems have not provided the expected edge in combat scenarios.
![](https://gallery.trendydigests.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Su-3-1.jpg)
The sophisticated radar and missile systems have been counteracted by Ukraine’s effective use of air defense and possibly the operational terrain that favors a defensive posture.
![](https://gallery.trendydigests.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Su-2-1.jpg)
The introduction of newer technology, such as drones and anti-air missiles, has further complicated the aerial battle space, blunting the impact of traditional air superiority fighters like the Su-35.