The Su-35S is the most advanced production 4++ generation air superiority fighter in Russian service, with approximately 100+ in VKS inventory. It features the Irbis-E passive phased-array radar (400 km detection range vs 3m² RCS), AL-41F1S thrust-vectoring turbofans enabling extreme manoeuvre envelopes, and comprehensive electronic warfare integration. Primary air-to-air weapons are the R-77-1 AMRAAM-equivalent BVR missile and R-37M hypersonic long-range AAM (300 km range). Has seen active deployment in Ukraine though losses to Ukrainian SAM systems have been recorded. China and Egypt are export operators.

- Irbis-E radar detects fighter targets at 400 km — exceeds most Western AESA range
- Thrust-vectoring Saturn AL-41F1S enables extreme post-stall maneuvers
- No canards vs Su-30 — better forward RCS despite no stealth shaping
- 12 hardpoints with mix of BVR and WVR missiles for complex air battle
- Proven in Syria combat operations
- PESA Irbis-E inferior to AESA in electronic protection and multi-beam use
- No internal weapons bay — radar cross-section higher than F-35 by orders of magnitude
- High unit cost limits export volumes
- Single-seat limits long-range strike mission management
- Increasingly threatened by 5th-gen fighters in WVR and BVR

Su-30SM

Su-30MKM

Su-27SK/UB

Su-35 Flanker-E

Su-30SME

Su-30MK2

Su-34 Fullback

Su-30K

Su-30MKA

Su-30MKI

Su-27 Flanker
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