Sukhoi Su-35S

Sukhoi Su-35S

Type: fighter

Domain: air

Country of Origin: Russia

Manufacturer: Sukhoi

First Deployed: 2023

Overview

Russia's most advanced operational fighter exported to Iran, dramatically upgrading Iranian Air Force capabilities after decades of flying obsolete F-4, F-5, and F-14 aircraft with dwindling spare parts. The Su-35S is a heavily upgraded variant of the Su-27 Flanker featuring supermaneuverability through thrust-vectoring AL-41F1S engines (each producing 31,900 lbf), Irbis-E passive electronically scanned array (PESA) radar with detection range exceeding 400 km against fighter-sized targets, comprehensive electronic warfare suite, modern glass cockpit, and 12 hardpoints capable of carrying 8,000 kg of weaponry including R-77-1 BVR missiles (110 km range), R-73 short-range missiles, Kh-31 anti-ship missiles, and precision-guided bombs. Maximum speed of Mach 2.25 with combat radius exceeding 1,600 km. Iran reportedly ordered 24-64 Su-35S fighters following the expiration of the UN arms embargo in 2020. Deliveries began in 2023-2024 with initial squadrons becoming operational in 2025-2026. The Su-35S provides Iran with modern air superiority capability against regional adversaries including Saudi F-15s and Israeli F-35s.

Technical Specifications

ewL175M Khibiny EW suite
crew1
typeTwin-Engine 4.5 Gen Air Superiority Fighter
radarIrbis-E PESA (400 km detection)
engines2x Saturn AL-41F1S (31,900 lbf each with TVC)
armamentGSh-30-1 30mm cannon; R-77-1 / R-27 BVR AAMs; R-73M2 WVR; Kh-31/Kh-35 anti-ship; KAB-500 guided bombs
max_speedMach 2.25
manufacturerSukhoi (Russia)
combat_radius~1,600 km

Operators

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