In the intricate air battles over Ukraine, the Russian Su-35 fighter jet has taken center stage, showcasing both its strengths and weaknesses in real-world combat.

As a highly advanced variant of the Su-27 “Flanker,” the Su-35 faces a formidable mix of Western-supplied and legacy Soviet air defenses, alongside the F-16 Fighting Falcon, in this challenging aerial arena.

The Su-35, described as a “Fourth Generation++” system, was intended as an interim solution pending the full operational readiness of Russia’s next-generation fighter, the Su-57.

Despite its advanced design and theoretical aptitude for the kind of conflict seen in Ukraine, the Su-35’s performance has yielded mixed results.

The Su-57 is a fifth generation multirole fighter. The fighter first flew in 2010, but only 32 have been produced in all these years.

Alex Hollings of Sandboxx News wrote: “Radar cross-sections (RCS) are subject to a great deal of debate online and should always be taken with a grain of salt, but expert assessments of the Su-57 suggest that it boasts an RCS of about .5 square meters – which is about the same as a 4th generation F/A-18 Super Hornet when flying without ordnance and 5,000 times bigger than the F-22 Raptor.”

Critics have argued that the Su-35’s experiences in Ukraine underline potential inadequacies in pilot training and a dire need for advancements in missile technology, which are crucial for modern air combat.

The combat environment has been unforgiving, with the Russian air force enduring some attrition of its Su-35 fleet, providing a stern test of the aircraft’s resilience and the broader strategy underpinning its use.

The Su-35 is not without lethality or tactical utility, however.

The fighter’s deployment in Ukraine, while not delivering an overwhelming success narrative, has demonstrated its effectiveness as a modern combat aircraft.

These battle-hardened lessons are poised to inform Sukhoi’s future endeavors, as they work to refine the next generation of Russian warplanes.

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Relevant articles:
– Russia’s Su-35 Fighter in Ukraine: A Nightmare Performance? , The National Interest Online, 06/02/2024
– US confirms Russia used North Korean ballistic missiles in Ukraine, Colorado Springs Gazette, 05/30/2024
– Russia’s Su-57 Stealth Fighter Will Never Be as Good as the F-22 or F-35, The National Interest Online, 05/31/2024
– Russia’s Su-34 Lesson in Ukraine Is One That Can’t Be Ignored, The National Interest Online, 05/31/2024