These advanced jets, part of the 4++ generation, are equipped with sophisticated digital technology that allows them to work effectively with other aircraft during various military operations.
After undergoing rigorous ground and flight testing at an aircraft manufacturing facility in the Far East of the country, these super-maneuverable multirole fighters are designed to take on both aerial and ground targets.
The 4+ generation typically features upgraded weapons, onboard avionics, and radar systems. The term 4++ generation refers to the inclusion of weapons and systems that are usually found in fifth-generation aircraft, enhancing their capabilities further.
● Developed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau, the Su-35S is a single-seat fighter and an advanced version of the T-10 platform, which was the basis for the Su-27, a fourth-generation, all-weather, supersonic, multirole fighter.
● The Su-35S took its first flight in 2008 and was incorporated into the Russian Army in 2014.
● It is equipped with a highly accurate phased antenna array radar capable of detecting targets over 400 km away and at angles up to 120 degrees. It also has onboard electronic warfare gear and the option of two external fuel tanks, extending its range from 3,600 km (2,236 miles) to 4,500 km (2,796 miles).
● The aircraft can reach speeds up to 2,500 km (1,553 miles) per hour and features an onboard computer that allows it to detect and engage multiple targets on the ground or in the air—up to four ground or 30 air targets, engaging two to eight targets simultaneously depending on the missile type.
● The Su-35S can be armed with a variety of weaponry, including short-, medium-, and long-range air-to-air missiles, as well as air-to-ground and anti-ship missiles. It also supports both precision-guided and unguided bombs, making it versatile against naval and ground targets.
● In terms of speed at altitude, the aircraft surpasses its Western counterparts, achieving a maximum speed of M2.25, compared to M2 for both the Eurofighter Typhoon and the US-made F-16C Block 50/52.
