Russian Defense Ministry adds Su-35S aircraft to its fleet amid continued modernization push
{loadposition bannertop}
{loadposition sidebarpub}
Russia has delivered a new batch of Su-35S fighter jets to its Ministry of Defense, Rostec confirmed on Sept. 24, 2025. The move highlights Moscow’s push to maintain air superiority as global security tensions rise.
On September 24, 2025, as reported by Rostec, the Russian defense conglomerate confirmed the delivery of another batch of Su-35S multirole fighters to the Ministry of Defense. The aircraft, built by the United Aircraft Corporation, are destined for the Russian Aerospace Forces and have completed both ground and flight trials before transfer. Designed to dominate the skies even in adverse weather and at extended ranges, the Su-35S has become a key element in Moscow’s strategy to maintain a capable frontline fleet. The handover reflects Russia’s continued investment in high-performance combat aviation despite the pressure of sanctions and ongoing conflict dynamics.Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
The Su-35S, with its proven operational record, broad mission set, and steady production line, continues to serve as a cornerstone of Russia’s tactical aviation (Picture source: ROSTEC)
The Su-35S is engineered as a multirole platform capable of carrying a broad arsenal of precision-guided weapons. Its armament includes beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles such as the R-77-1 and R-37M, short-range R-73 heat-seeking missiles, and a variety of air-to-surface weapons including Kh-31 anti-ship and anti-radar missiles, guided bombs, and cruise missiles. This weapons flexibility gives it the ability to engage both aerial and ground targets in high-threat environments. The fighter’s Irbis-E passive electronically scanned array (PESA) radar can reportedly detect targets at ranges of up to 350–400 kilometers, while its electronic warfare suites provide jamming and survivability against modern air defense systems. Combined with thrust-vectoring AL-41F1S engines, the Su-35S can execute extreme maneuvers and maintain high energy in dogfights, attributes that make it one of the most agile combat aircraft in service today. These features allow it to undertake long-range interception missions, escort and protect strike formations, suppress hostile radars, and conduct precision strikes deep in contested airspace, functions that expand its role beyond that of a traditional fighter.
The aircraft’s development traces back to the late Soviet-era Su-27 Flanker, but the Su-35 represents a significant redesign. Its airframe incorporates composite materials for reduced radar signature, a modern glass cockpit with advanced displays, and an upgraded flight control system. The engines provide supercruise capability, allowing the aircraft to sustain supersonic speeds without afterburners. Operationally, the Su-35 has been combat-tested in Syria, where it flew air patrols, escorted bombers, and demonstrated its ability to operate from forward-deployed bases over long durations. Russian officials have claimed that the aircraft not only provided effective deterrence against adversary aircraft but also proved resilient in maintaining high sortie rates. Over time, incremental improvements have kept the Su-35 relevant, positioning it as the essential “transitional” fighter between Russia’s legacy fourth-generation fleet and the stealth-focused Su-57, ensuring that the Aerospace Forces do not face a capability gap during this generational shift.
When compared with other Russian fighters, the Su-35S stands out in several respects. The Su-30SM, for instance, is a versatile multirole platform, but it lacks the same thrust-vectoring performance and radar power, while the lighter MiG-35 offers affordability but with less range and payload. The Su-34 remains specialized for strike operations and lacks the Su-35’s maneuverability and air superiority design. This makes the Su-35S the most balanced Russian fighter in terms of combining reach, payload, and agility. On the global stage, its performance is frequently measured against Western aircraft such as the Eurofighter Typhoon and the F-15EX. Western jets emphasize networked combat and advanced AESA radars, whereas the Su-35’s advocates point to its raw aerodynamic agility, long-range missile compatibility, and ability to sustain combat endurance far from base. Russian officials present it as a cost-effective counterweight to Western platforms, designed not only to match adversaries in the air but also to outlast them in prolonged engagements thanks to its range and heavy weapons load.
The arrival of new Su-35S fighters underscores Russia’s intent to reinforce its ability to project airpower across strategic areas such as the Arctic, the Black Sea, and the Far East. It also shows that, despite ongoing strains on the defense industry, procurement targets are still being met. On the export side, the Su-35S continues to be one of Russia’s key offerings, with Iran emerging as the latest potential buyer after years of modest foreign sales limited by restrictions.
Although no official figures have been released on overall program costs, Rostec has indicated that production lines are running at full capacity. So far in 2025, at least three separate transfers of Su-35S fighters to the Aerospace Forces have been reported, a sign of steady output and of the aircraft’s continuing relevance within Russia’s order of battle.
This most recent delivery highlights Moscow’s determination to sustain a capable air superiority fleet while preparing for a gradual transition toward fifth-generation platforms. The Su-35S, with its proven operational record, broad mission set, and steady production line, continues to serve as a cornerstone of Russia’s tactical aviation. For the Kremlin, keeping such a platform in service is not only a matter of military necessity but also a signal to foreign partners and potential buyers that its defense industry remains resilient despite sanctions and supply chain pressures. The aircraft’s prominence in both domestic procurement and export strategies ensures that it will remain an influential part of Russia’s airpower posture for the foreseeable future. In this sense, the Su-35S is more than just a stopgap between generations: it is a critical instrument for sustaining deterrence, projecting influence, and maintaining operational flexibility at a time when the balance of airpower continues to shape the broader security environment.
Written by Teoman S. Nicanci – Defense Analyst, Army Recognition Group
Teoman S. Nicanci holds degrees in Political Science, Comparative and International Politics, and International Relations and Diplomacy from leading Belgian universities, with research focused on Russian strategic behavior, defense technology, and modern warfare. He is a defense analyst at Army Recognition, specializing in the global defense industry, military armament, and emerging defense technologies.
{loadposition bannertop}
{loadposition sidebarpub}
Russia has delivered a new batch of Su-35S fighter jets to its Ministry of Defense, Rostec confirmed on Sept. 24, 2025. The move highlights Moscow’s push to maintain air superiority as global security tensions rise.
On September 24, 2025, as reported by Rostec, the Russian defense conglomerate confirmed the delivery of another batch of Su-35S multirole fighters to the Ministry of Defense. The aircraft, built by the United Aircraft Corporation, are destined for the Russian Aerospace Forces and have completed both ground and flight trials before transfer. Designed to dominate the skies even in adverse weather and at extended ranges, the Su-35S has become a key element in Moscow’s strategy to maintain a capable frontline fleet. The handover reflects Russia’s continued investment in high-performance combat aviation despite the pressure of sanctions and ongoing conflict dynamics.
The Su-35S, with its proven operational record, broad mission set, and steady production line, continues to serve as a cornerstone of Russia’s tactical aviation (Picture source: ROSTEC)
The Su-35S is engineered as a multirole platform capable of carrying a broad arsenal of precision-guided weapons. Its armament includes beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles such as the R-77-1 and R-37M, short-range R-73 heat-seeking missiles, and a variety of air-to-surface weapons including Kh-31 anti-ship and anti-radar missiles, guided bombs, and cruise missiles. This weapons flexibility gives it the ability to engage both aerial and ground targets in high-threat environments. The fighter’s Irbis-E passive electronically scanned array (PESA) radar can reportedly detect targets at ranges of up to 350–400 kilometers, while its electronic warfare suites provide jamming and survivability against modern air defense systems. Combined with thrust-vectoring AL-41F1S engines, the Su-35S can execute extreme maneuvers and maintain high energy in dogfights, attributes that make it one of the most agile combat aircraft in service today. These features allow it to undertake long-range interception missions, escort and protect strike formations, suppress hostile radars, and conduct precision strikes deep in contested airspace, functions that expand its role beyond that of a traditional fighter.
The aircraft’s development traces back to the late Soviet-era Su-27 Flanker, but the Su-35 represents a significant redesign. Its airframe incorporates composite materials for reduced radar signature, a modern glass cockpit with advanced displays, and an upgraded flight control system. The engines provide supercruise capability, allowing the aircraft to sustain supersonic speeds without afterburners. Operationally, the Su-35 has been combat-tested in Syria, where it flew air patrols, escorted bombers, and demonstrated its ability to operate from forward-deployed bases over long durations. Russian officials have claimed that the aircraft not only provided effective deterrence against adversary aircraft but also proved resilient in maintaining high sortie rates. Over time, incremental improvements have kept the Su-35 relevant, positioning it as the essential “transitional” fighter between Russia’s legacy fourth-generation fleet and the stealth-focused Su-57, ensuring that the Aerospace Forces do not face a capability gap during this generational shift.
When compared with other Russian fighters, the Su-35S stands out in several respects. The Su-30SM, for instance, is a versatile multirole platform, but it lacks the same thrust-vectoring performance and radar power, while the lighter MiG-35 offers affordability but with less range and payload. The Su-34 remains specialized for strike operations and lacks the Su-35’s maneuverability and air superiority design. This makes the Su-35S the most balanced Russian fighter in terms of combining reach, payload, and agility. On the global stage, its performance is frequently measured against Western aircraft such as the Eurofighter Typhoon and the F-15EX. Western jets emphasize networked combat and advanced AESA radars, whereas the Su-35’s advocates point to its raw aerodynamic agility, long-range missile compatibility, and ability to sustain combat endurance far from base. Russian officials present it as a cost-effective counterweight to Western platforms, designed not only to match adversaries in the air but also to outlast them in prolonged engagements thanks to its range and heavy weapons load.
The arrival of new Su-35S fighters underscores Russia’s intent to reinforce its ability to project airpower across strategic areas such as the Arctic, the Black Sea, and the Far East. It also shows that, despite ongoing strains on the defense industry, procurement targets are still being met. On the export side, the Su-35S continues to be one of Russia’s key offerings, with Iran emerging as the latest potential buyer after years of modest foreign sales limited by restrictions.
Although no official figures have been released on overall program costs, Rostec has indicated that production lines are running at full capacity. So far in 2025, at least three separate transfers of Su-35S fighters to the Aerospace Forces have been reported, a sign of steady output and of the aircraft’s continuing relevance within Russia’s order of battle.
This most recent delivery highlights Moscow’s determination to sustain a capable air superiority fleet while preparing for a gradual transition toward fifth-generation platforms. The Su-35S, with its proven operational record, broad mission set, and steady production line, continues to serve as a cornerstone of Russia’s tactical aviation. For the Kremlin, keeping such a platform in service is not only a matter of military necessity but also a signal to foreign partners and potential buyers that its defense industry remains resilient despite sanctions and supply chain pressures. The aircraft’s prominence in both domestic procurement and export strategies ensures that it will remain an influential part of Russia’s airpower posture for the foreseeable future. In this sense, the Su-35S is more than just a stopgap between generations: it is a critical instrument for sustaining deterrence, projecting influence, and maintaining operational flexibility at a time when the balance of airpower continues to shape the broader security environment.
Written by Teoman S. Nicanci – Defense Analyst, Army Recognition Group
Teoman S. Nicanci holds degrees in Political Science, Comparative and International Politics, and International Relations and Diplomacy from leading Belgian universities, with research focused on Russian strategic behavior, defense technology, and modern warfare. He is a defense analyst at Army Recognition, specializing in the global defense industry, military armament, and emerging defense technologies.
