According to information published by the Russian Press Agency TASS on March 29, 2025, the Russian United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), a subsidiary of the Russian state defense conglomerate Rostec, has delivered the first batch of Su-35S 4++ generation fighter jets of the year to the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS).
The Su-35S is Russia’s most advanced serially-produced multirole fighter, belonging to the 4++ generation. It combines superior maneuverability, long-range engagement capabilities, and next-generation avionics, making this delivery a significant enhancement to the combat capabilities of the VKS amid ongoing efforts to modernize Russia’s air power. Notably, this delivery highlights the resilience of Russia’s defense industrial base, which continues to sustain production and modernization of advanced combat aircraft despite the prolonged conflict in Ukraine and sweeping Western sanctions imposed by the United States and the European Union.
The Su-35S, a 4++ generation multirole fighter, represents the pinnacle of Russian aviation technology currently in mass production. Designed primarily to establish air superiority, the aircraft also possesses robust capabilities for engaging ground and naval targets. The fighters delivered in this batch are equipped with state-of-the-art avionics, long-range targeting systems, and an expanded suite of precision-guided munitions, ensuring operational effectiveness across a broad spectrum of combat scenarios and in all weather conditions.
Compared to its predecessors, the latest iteration of the Su-35S incorporates several enhancements. Notably, it features the IUS-35 integrated information and control system, which streamlines pilot workload and improves situational awareness. The aircraft’s radar station, equipped with a passive electronically scanned array (PESA), offers a detection range of up to 400 kilometers, enabling long-range engagement of multiple aerial threats. The advanced thrust-vectoring engines provide the Su-35S with superior maneuverability, granting it an edge in close-range dogfights.