OVERVIEW: The Su-35S Flanker M is a single-seat, twin-engine, 4.5 generation multirole air superiority fighter developed by Sukhoi for the Russian Air Force. As of 2017, it was in active frontline service, offering supermaneuverability, long-range engagement capability, and advanced onboard systems without stealth shaping.

DETAILS: The Su-35S is a heavily modernized variant of the Su-27, incorporating AL-41F1S (117S) thrust-vectoring turbofan engines capable of Mach 2.25 and internal fuel for extended range. It has 12 hardpoints and is equipped with the Irbis-E PESA radar, OLS-35 IRST, and the L-265V Khibiny-MV electronic warfare suite. It supports R-77-1 and R-73M air-to-air missiles, Kh-31 and Kh-59 air-to-surface missiles, and KAB-series guided bombs. The airframe omits canards for improved radar signature and includes a digital fly-by-wire system. Flanker M is the NATO reporting name for the Su-35S.

“Su” refers to Sukhoi, and “35S” is the production version for the Russian Air Force. It was introduced to replace aging Su-27 variants and to provide a high-end air dominance platform with multirole flexibility.

TYPE: Multirole air superiority fighter

FUNCTION: The Su-35S is used for long-range air superiority and multirole operations. Its combination of maneuverability, advanced radar, and heavy payload capacity makes it effective for both interception and strike missions in contested airspace.

NOTE:
IOC: Su-27 (1985 Russia), Su-35S (2014 Russia)
Manufacturer: Sukhoi (Russia)
Operators: Russia
Conflict used in: Syria (2015–2020), Ukraine War (2022–present)

SOURCE:
Russian Ministry of Defence ; United Aircraft Corporation: https://www.uacrussia.ru ; TASS: https://tass.com/defense ; SIPRI Arms Transfers Database: https://armstrade.sipri.org ; Flight Global World Air Forces 2018 ; Jane’s All the World’s Aircraft ; U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency Russia Military Power Report