Delivery of Su-35 with R-77M Missile / Direct Threat to NATO F-16s

According to Rokna, Oleg Yefotushenko, CEO of the state-owned Rostec, stated that the delivery process of new fighters continues uninterrupted: “Aircraft factories under Russia’s state defense contract are producing at high speed. This year, several batches of Su-35S have been delivered to the forces, and production of subsequent shipments has also commenced.”

The Su-35 is recognized as one of the most powerful ++4 generation fighters in the world. The aircraft is equipped with long-range air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles, advanced electronic warfare systems, and avionics, enhancing its operational capabilities on the battlefield.

Increased Production and Focus on Foreign Markets

The United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) has stated that this fighter can carry out a variety of missions, including escort, ground target defense, and air combat. Reports indicate that annual Su-35 production is increasing; while in 2024 only four shipments (approximately 14 aircraft) were delivered, the production line is now moving toward higher capacity.

According to Military Watch Magazine, the increase in production is not solely for the modernization of Russia’s fleet, but foreign orders, particularly from Iran and Algeria, have also been a significant factor in this decision. Algeria was the first foreign customer, receiving a number of Su-35s last March.

The report also noted that the Iranian Air Force will operationalize its first Su-35 fighter jets before the end of 2025.

One of the most important recent upgrades is equipping the Su-35 with the advanced R-77M air-to-air missile last month. This change has narrowed the performance gap between this fighter and its American and Chinese rivals. Additionally, there is potential for equipping it with the Drel guided bomb and the Kh-59MK2 cruise missile (developed for the fifth-generation Su-57 fighter).

Since the beginning of the Ukraine war in 2022, the Su-35 has played a prominent role in Russian air operations. This fighter has successfully shot down several Ukrainian MiG-29s and Su-27s without suffering aerial losses in direct combat. Ukrainian officials have repeatedly acknowledged that none of the fighters in their fleet, including NATO-supplied F-16s and Mirage-2000s, can directly confront the Su-35.

However, experts emphasize that the current Su-35 radar still faces limitations and, in terms of long-range target detection, remains inferior to the MiG-31BM, Russia’s advanced interceptor in service.