Russia's military arsenal has long been a subject of interest and speculation, with the Su-35 fighter jet being one of the most advanced and capable aircraft in their fleet. The Su-35, also known as the Su-35S, is a multirole fighter designed by Sukhoi, a Russian aerospace company. As of 2022, the exact number of Su-35 fighter jets in Russia's fleet remains classified, but based on various reports and analyses, it is estimated that the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) operate around 120-150 Su-35 aircraft.
The development of the Su-35 began in the early 2000s, with the first prototype making its maiden flight in 2008. The aircraft is an evolution of the Su-30, with significant improvements in avionics, radar, and propulsion systems. The Su-35 is powered by two Saturn AL-41F1S turbofan engines, each producing 14,000 kgf of thrust, allowing the aircraft to achieve speeds of up to Mach 2.25 (around 2,700 km/h). The aircraft is also equipped with a state-of-the-art radar system, the Irbis-E, which provides a detection range of up to 400 km.
Key Points
- Russia's Su-35 fighter jet fleet is estimated to consist of 120-150 aircraft as of 2022.
- The Su-35 is a multirole fighter designed by Sukhoi, with significant improvements in avionics, radar, and propulsion systems.
- The aircraft is powered by two Saturn AL-41F1S turbofan engines, each producing 14,000 kgf of thrust.
- The Su-35 is equipped with a state-of-the-art radar system, the Irbis-E, which provides a detection range of up to 400 km.
- Russia has been continuously upgrading and modernizing its Su-35 fleet, with plans to integrate new avionics and weaponry in the near future.
Russia’s Su-35 Fleet: Development and Procurement
The procurement of the Su-35 by the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) began in 2009, with an initial order of 48 aircraft. Since then, Russia has placed several follow-on orders, with the latest contract signed in 2019 for an additional 76 aircraft. The production rate of the Su-35 has been steadily increasing over the years, with Sukhoi delivering around 12-15 aircraft per year. According to reports, the Russian government has allocated significant funds for the procurement of new Su-35 aircraft, with plans to increase the fleet size to over 200 aircraft by 2025.
Technical Specifications and Capabilities
The Su-35 is a highly advanced fighter jet, with a range of technical specifications and capabilities that make it one of the most formidable aircraft in the world. The aircraft has a length of 21.9 meters, a wingspan of 15.3 meters, and a height of 6.4 meters. The Su-35 has a maximum takeoff weight of 34,500 kg and a payload capacity of up to 8,000 kg. The aircraft is equipped with a range of weaponry, including air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground missiles, and precision-guided munitions.
| Technical Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Length | 21.9 meters |
| Wingspan | 15.3 meters |
| Height | 6.4 meters |
| Maximum Takeoff Weight | 34,500 kg |
| Payload Capacity | up to 8,000 kg |
Russia’s Su-35 Fleet: Operational History and Future Plans
The Su-35 has seen limited operational service, with the majority of the fleet being deployed to the Russian Aerospace Forces’ (VKS) elite units. The aircraft has participated in several military exercises and training missions, including the annual Aviadarts competition. Russia has also deployed the Su-35 to several conflict zones, including Syria, where the aircraft has been used to conduct airstrikes against rebel forces.
Russia has plans to continue upgrading and modernizing its Su-35 fleet, with new avionics and weaponry being integrated into the aircraft. The Russian government has also announced plans to develop a new, advanced fighter jet, the Su-57, which is expected to enter service in the near future. The Su-57 is expected to be a fifth-generation fighter, with advanced stealth capabilities and a range of new technologies.
What is the estimated number of Su-35 fighter jets in Russia's fleet?
+The estimated number of Su-35 fighter jets in Russia's fleet is around 120-150 aircraft as of 2022.
What are the technical specifications of the Su-35 fighter jet?
+The Su-35 has a length of 21.9 meters, a wingspan of 15.3 meters, and a height of 6.4 meters. The aircraft has a maximum takeoff weight of 34,500 kg and a payload capacity of up to 8,000 kg.
What are the future plans for Russia's Su-35 fleet?
+Russia has plans to continue upgrading and modernizing its Su-35 fleet, with new avionics and weaponry being integrated into the aircraft. The Russian government has also announced plans to develop a new, advanced fighter jet, the Su-57, which is expected to enter service in the near future.
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