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. Entering service in 2014, it features thrust-vectoring engines, high agility, extended range, and advanced sensors without low-observable shaping.

DETAILS: Based on the Su-27 platform, the Su-35S includes structural reinforcement, a digital fly-by-wire system, and two AL-41F1S (117S) turbofans providing a maximum speed of Mach 2.25. It is equipped with 12 hardpoints and fitted with the Irbis-E passive electronically scanned array (PESA) radar, OLS-35 IRST, L-265V Khibiny-MV electronic warfare suite. It can employ a wide range of weapons including R-77-1 and R-73M air-to-air missiles, Kh-31P/A and Kh-59MK air-to-surface missiles, and KAB-500/1500 guided bombs. The design excludes canards and includes reduced radar cross-section measures, but it is not a stealth aircraft. Flanker M is the NATO reporting name for the Su-35S.

“Su” designates Sukhoi, and “35S” refers to the serial production variant for the Russian Air Force. The Su-35S is a deep modernization of the Su-27 family, focused on long-range interception, multirole strike, and air superiority with improved survivability and sensor fusion.

TYPE: Multirole air superiority fighter

FUNCTION: The Su-35S is used for long-range air defense, offensive counter-air, and limited ground strike missions. Its supermaneuverability, long-range radar, and versatile weapons make it effective in high-threat, 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 ; Jane’s All the World’s Aircraft ; Flight Global World Air Forces 2015 ; U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency Russia Military Power Report