Heavily Combat Tested Russian Su-35 Fighters See New Batch Delivered as Production Surge Continues

The Russian Aerospace Forces have received a new batch of Su-35 fighter aircraft, following a production surge intended to accelerate the expansion of the fleet. The latest delivery represents the sixth to have been reported this year, with prior batches having been delivered in March, May, June, August, and September. To place this in perspective, only four batches of Su-35s were reported throughout 2024, with a significant possibility remaining that further deliveries will be made before the end of the year. The announcement of the delivery coincides with the deployment of Su-35s to Nanchang, southern China, for a display of their advanced flight performances. The Su-35 has continued to play a central role in the Russian air campaign in Ukraine, with the aircraft proving to be highly versatile and being assigned roles ranging from air-to-air combat to air defence suppression.

The state run United Aircraft Corporation reported that the newly delivered fighters were designed to secure air superiority at long range and in all weather conditions, with the aircraft having been developed as heavily enhanced derivatives of the Soviet Su-27 air superiority with improved ‘4+ generation’ capabilities. State-owned defence conglomerate Rostec commented: “We have increased the pace of deliveries of modern combat aircraft for the needs of the Ministry of Defence… This also applies to the Su-35S — currently the most capable modern fighter in the world. These aircraft have destroyed numerous enemy aerial targets and are equipped with advanced systems and long-range weapons.” The fighter type uniquely integrates three separate radars for improved situational awareness, including secondary L-band radars in its wing roots, and has avionics broadly comparable in their sophistication to early fifth generation fighters.

An increase in deliveries of Su-35s to the Aerospace Forces has been possible despite an unprecedented number of new export orders being confirmed for the Su-35 in 2025, including to Algeria, Ethiopia and Iran. While Iran is currently reported to have ordered 48 fighters, and Ethiopia just six, both are expected to place significant followup orders in future for potentially two to three times more fighters than those already purchased. Algeria is not expected to place further orders, as it is preparing to receive Su-57 fifth generation fighters. Unprecedented foreign interest, and the growing pressure Russia’s own defences have faced from NATO members, are between them thought to be primary factors that have influenced the decision to expand production of the Su-35. The fighter is estimated to have been responsible for more air-to-air shootdowns than any other post-Cold War combat jet, and has recently seen its long rang targeting capabilities improved significantly with the recent integration of the new R-77M radar guided air-to-air missile, which was confirmed in July.