Russia’s robust air navy marks a new milestone with the receipt of its second batch of Su-35S fighters in just 20 days.
Lightning Over Komsomolsk-on-Amur: Su-35S Withering Volley
The noise of the takeoff once again floods the Komsomolsk-on-Amur polygon. The Russian Aerospace Force welcomes with open arms another group of Su-35S, those generation 4++ steel eagles from the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) manufacturer.
These modern winged titans arrive in their second batch in a period of time that breaks conventional production barriers: barely 20 days. A delivery that certifies the words of Yuriy Slyusar, general director of UAC, regarding the expansion and strengthening of the production chain of the Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aviation Plant.
Su-35S: Russian ace in the hole on multiple fronts
The Su-35S is the spearhead of the Russian Armed Forces in the “Special Operations Zone.” Its role is crucial in the protection of bombers and attack aircraft and in the tactical deployment of Ukrainian equipment.
These versatile war hawks are not limited to Ukraine but fly over Syria’s skies, raising concerns in Washington about their daring maneuvers. The Su-35S, also known as the Flanker-M in NATO, makes a statement and demonstrates its indomitable agility on the battlefield.
Su-35S: The legacy of the T-10BM, the seed of air power
The Su-35S, or Stroyevoy to those in the know, is an air giant that has emerged from the T-10BM lineage. With exceptional maneuverability and a wide angle of attack, it possesses a technological arsenal that amplifies its offensive capabilities.
The Russian Air Force already in 2009 had glimpsed its potential and ordered 48 units. These majestic fighters have become a central figure in the theater of operations, thanks to their constant modernization and their formidable phased array radar.
Su-35S has flown from the Russian ranks to the Chinese and Indonesian People’s Liberation Army Air Forces, becoming a key player in the global air game.
Facing the formidable Su-35S: The air battle of Ukraine
Soviet-era Su-25s are fighting to hold the sky against advanced Russian Su-35S in Ukraine. Armed with cutting-edge technology, these fighters are a considerable threat to the old Ukrainian eagles.
“Pumbaa,” a Su-25 pilot, has experienced firsthand the Su-35S supremacy, confessing to the loss of numerous aircraft to these imposing adversaries. Every day, the skies of Ukraine bear witness to an unequal struggle.
Today, the Russian Air Force is in control of the airspace; the Su-35S is the undisputed king of the battle sky. Ukrainian forces watch, with concern, the advance of these superior fighters in the east of the country.
The Tides of Conflict: The Allies’ Role in the Ukrainian Air Board
Help from NATO and European allies has strengthened Ukraine’s air fleet with new Su-25s and MiG-29s. But resources are still tight, and the fight to take on the formidable Su-35S continues.
Ukrainian pilots, like “Juice” with his MiG-29, crave Western help in the form of F-16s. State-of-the-art fighters could make all the difference in the skies over eastern Ukraine.
For now, the Russian Air Force dominates the skies. And the Su-35S, like gargoyles of the air, stand relentless watch, a testament to the prowess and power of the Russian war machine.
The Su-35S is a 4++ generation serial production fighter of the Russian Aerospace Forces. Developed from the Su-27, this versatile air superiority fighter stands out for its great maneuverability and high angle of attack. The Su-35S is equipped with state-of-the-art weapon systems that greatly enhance its air combat capabilities. This fighter is also known as T-10BM, Flanker-M and represents an advanced version of the Sukhoi Su-35.
Production of the Su-35S fighter is carried out by the Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aviation Plant, part of the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC). The plant has invested in expanding production and increasing production capacity with state funds. The delivery of these fighters to the Russian Aerospace Forces is carried out in batches, the frequency and quantity of which may vary.
Su-35S fighters are intensively used by the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, particularly in the Special Operations Zone in Ukraine. In addition to protecting the Russian Air Force’s bombers and attack aircraft, the Su-35S is deployed in international conflicts such as Syria. Washington has expressed concerns about the maneuvers of the Su-35S in this region.
Ukraine’s Su-25 jets, dating from the 1980s, are ill-equipped to take on Russia’s high-tech Su-35S. Equipped with state-of-the-art radars and missiles, the Su-35S poses a considerable threat to Ukrainian aircraft. Currently, the Russian Air Force dominates the skies over the battlefield in Ukraine.
Western countries could improve the situation of the Ukrainian Air Force by providing more advanced fighter jets such as F-16s. These fighter jets play a crucial role in Ukraine’s security and could significantly bolster its air power in the conflict with Russia. In addition, NATO and European allies have bolstered the Ukrainian air fleet by providing a total of 45 Su-25s and MiG-29s.
