Russian Air Force Receives First Su-35S 4++ Generation Fighter Jets Despite Western Sanctions
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According to information published by the Russian Press Agency TASS on March 29, 2025, the Russian United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), a subsidiary of the Russian state defense conglomerate Rostec, has delivered the first batch of Su-35S 4++ generation fighter jets of the year to the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS).Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
Equipped with cutting-edge avionics and thrust-vectoring engines, the Su-35S represents the pinnacle of Russian fighter jet design. (Picture source: Russian Social Network)
The Su-35S is Russia’s most advanced serially-produced multirole fighter, belonging to the 4++ generation. It combines superior maneuverability, long-range engagement capabilities, and next-generation avionics, making this delivery a significant enhancement to the combat capabilities of the VKS amid ongoing efforts to modernize Russia’s air power. Notably, this delivery highlights the resilience of Russia’s defense industrial base, which continues to sustain production and modernization of advanced combat aircraft despite the prolonged conflict in Ukraine and sweeping Western sanctions imposed by the United States and the European Union.The Su-35S, a 4++ generation multirole fighter, represents the pinnacle of Russian aviation technology currently in mass production. Designed primarily to establish air superiority, the aircraft also possesses robust capabilities for engaging ground and naval targets. The fighters delivered in this batch are equipped with state-of-the-art avionics, long-range targeting systems, and an expanded suite of precision-guided munitions, ensuring operational effectiveness across a broad spectrum of combat scenarios and in all weather conditions.
Compared to its predecessors, the latest iteration of the Su-35S incorporates several enhancements. Notably, it features the IUS-35 integrated information and control system, which streamlines pilot workload and improves situational awareness. The aircraft’s radar station, equipped with a passive electronically scanned array (PESA), offers a detection range of up to 400 kilometers, enabling long-range engagement of multiple aerial threats. The advanced thrust-vectoring engines provide the Su-35S with superior maneuverability, granting it an edge in close-range dogfights.
Vladimir Artyakov, First Deputy Director General of Rostec, noted that multiple batches of Su-35S fighters are currently under production and are scheduled for delivery throughout 2025 as part of the national defense procurement plan. “The fighters are equipped with advanced weapons and long-range information and targeting systems,” he said, highlighting their versatility and long-range operational capability.
Despite increasing international restrictions on high-tech imports and pressure on Russia’s defense-industrial complex, Moscow has managed to sustain and even expand the production of key military platforms. The Russian aerospace sector, spearheaded by UAC, has adapted to sanctions by localizing critical components, securing alternative supply chains, and ramping up domestic production capacity. These efforts have allowed continued output of essential fighter aircraft such as the Su-34, Su-35S, and fifth-generation Su-57.
Vadim Badekha, General Director of UAC, emphasized this point, stating that Russia plans to increase the production rate of its most in-demand aircraft this year. He noted that “our primary task is to increase the pace of construction of in-demand military products,” citing efforts to expand industrial capacity and workforce to meet rising demand under the state defense order.
The Su-35S, designated by NATO as “Flanker-E+,” is engineered for high-intensity combat environments. It boasts a maximum takeoff weight of 34.5 tons, a top speed of 2,500 km/h, and an operational ceiling of 20,000 meters. Its combat radius ranges from 1,500 to 4,500 kilometers, allowing for deep strike missions far from its home base. Armament includes a 30mm GSh-30-1 cannon, air-to-air missiles of various ranges, Kh-series anti-ship missiles, and a variety of guided and unguided bombs.
This latest delivery not only reinforces the combat readiness of the Russian Aerospace Forces but also signals the continued functionality and strategic resolve of Russia’s defense industry, even under intense geopolitical and economic pressure.
{loadposition bannertop}
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According to information published by the Russian Press Agency TASS on March 29, 2025, the Russian United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), a subsidiary of the Russian state defense conglomerate Rostec, has delivered the first batch of Su-35S 4++ generation fighter jets of the year to the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS).
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
Equipped with cutting-edge avionics and thrust-vectoring engines, the Su-35S represents the pinnacle of Russian fighter jet design. (Picture source: Russian Social Network)
The Su-35S is Russia’s most advanced serially-produced multirole fighter, belonging to the 4++ generation. It combines superior maneuverability, long-range engagement capabilities, and next-generation avionics, making this delivery a significant enhancement to the combat capabilities of the VKS amid ongoing efforts to modernize Russia’s air power. Notably, this delivery highlights the resilience of Russia’s defense industrial base, which continues to sustain production and modernization of advanced combat aircraft despite the prolonged conflict in Ukraine and sweeping Western sanctions imposed by the United States and the European Union.
The Su-35S, a 4++ generation multirole fighter, represents the pinnacle of Russian aviation technology currently in mass production. Designed primarily to establish air superiority, the aircraft also possesses robust capabilities for engaging ground and naval targets. The fighters delivered in this batch are equipped with state-of-the-art avionics, long-range targeting systems, and an expanded suite of precision-guided munitions, ensuring operational effectiveness across a broad spectrum of combat scenarios and in all weather conditions.
Compared to its predecessors, the latest iteration of the Su-35S incorporates several enhancements. Notably, it features the IUS-35 integrated information and control system, which streamlines pilot workload and improves situational awareness. The aircraft’s radar station, equipped with a passive electronically scanned array (PESA), offers a detection range of up to 400 kilometers, enabling long-range engagement of multiple aerial threats. The advanced thrust-vectoring engines provide the Su-35S with superior maneuverability, granting it an edge in close-range dogfights.
Vladimir Artyakov, First Deputy Director General of Rostec, noted that multiple batches of Su-35S fighters are currently under production and are scheduled for delivery throughout 2025 as part of the national defense procurement plan. “The fighters are equipped with advanced weapons and long-range information and targeting systems,” he said, highlighting their versatility and long-range operational capability.
Despite increasing international restrictions on high-tech imports and pressure on Russia’s defense-industrial complex, Moscow has managed to sustain and even expand the production of key military platforms. The Russian aerospace sector, spearheaded by UAC, has adapted to sanctions by localizing critical components, securing alternative supply chains, and ramping up domestic production capacity. These efforts have allowed continued output of essential fighter aircraft such as the Su-34, Su-35S, and fifth-generation Su-57.
Vadim Badekha, General Director of UAC, emphasized this point, stating that Russia plans to increase the production rate of its most in-demand aircraft this year. He noted that “our primary task is to increase the pace of construction of in-demand military products,” citing efforts to expand industrial capacity and workforce to meet rising demand under the state defense order.
The Su-35S, designated by NATO as “Flanker-E+,” is engineered for high-intensity combat environments. It boasts a maximum takeoff weight of 34.5 tons, a top speed of 2,500 km/h, and an operational ceiling of 20,000 meters. Its combat radius ranges from 1,500 to 4,500 kilometers, allowing for deep strike missions far from its home base. Armament includes a 30mm GSh-30-1 cannon, air-to-air missiles of various ranges, Kh-series anti-ship missiles, and a variety of guided and unguided bombs.
This latest delivery not only reinforces the combat readiness of the Russian Aerospace Forces but also signals the continued functionality and strategic resolve of Russia’s defense industry, even under intense geopolitical and economic pressure.
