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 2020, it was operational with the R-37M long-range air-to-air missile, extending its air dominance engagement range significantly.

DETAILS: The Su-35S is a deep modernization of the Su-27, featuring a strengthened airframe, digital fly-by-wire system, and two AL-41F1S thrust-vectoring engines providing a top speed of Mach 2.25. It has 12 hardpoints and is equipped with the Irbis-E PESA radar, OLS-35 infrared search and track system, and the L-265V Khibiny-MV internal electronic warfare suite. The aircraft can employ 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. In 2020, the Su-35S began operational carriage of the R-37M long-range air-to-air missile, which is capable of engaging targets at distances reaching 300 km. Flanker M is the NATO reporting name for the Su-35S.

“Su” identifies Sukhoi as the manufacturer, and “35S” denotes the in-service production variant for the Russian Air Force. The integration of the R-37M missile on the Su-35S provides the platform with an extended air-to-air engagement envelope against high-value aerial targets at standoff ranges.

TYPE: Multirole air superiority fighter

FUNCTION: The Su-35S is used for air superiority, long-range interception, and multirole strike missions. Its supermaneuverability, advanced radar, and R-37M capability make it effective for engaging airborne targets at extreme distances.

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 ; Jane’s All the World’s Aircraft ; Flight Global World Air Forces 2021 ; U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency Russia Military Power Report