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. It combines supermaneuverability, long-range engagement capability, and high payload with advanced avionics and electronic warfare systems.

DETAILS: The Su-35S is a heavily modernized derivative of the Su-27 platform, featuring a reinforced airframe, digital quadruplex fly-by-wire system, and two AL-41F1S thrust-vectoring engines, allowing speeds up to Mach 2.25. It is equipped with 12 hardpoints and carries the Irbis-E passive electronically scanned array (PESA) radar, OLS-35 infrared search and track system, and the L-265V Khibiny-MV internal electronic warfare suite. The aircraft can employ a wide array of weapons, including R-77-1 and R-73M air-to-air missiles, Kh-31P and Kh-59MK air-to-surface missiles, and KAB-500/1500 precision-guided bombs. By 2019, the Su-35S began integrating UPAB-1500B glide bombs, giving it extended-range standoff strike capability against fortified ground targets. Flanker M is the NATO reporting name for the Su-35S.

“Su” designates Sukhoi, and “35S” refers to the domestic serial production variant for the Russian Air Force. The 2019 aircraft batch reflects fully matured production units, featuring all standard avionics and armament packages, including the introduction of glide munitions like the UPAB-1500B and UPAB-500B.

TYPE: Multirole air superiority fighter

FUNCTION: The Su-35S is used for air superiority, interception, and precision standoff strike missions. Its thrust-vectoring, high agility, and multirole capability make it effective in high-threat, contested air environments.

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 2020 ; Jane’s All the World’s Aircraft ; U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency Russia Military Power Report