The Su-35 fighter jet is unique in terms of its combination of maneuverability, the ability to carry a large load, [and] to work both against air and ground targets, director of the Asian Security Project at the PIR Center, Vadim Kozyulin, told Sputnik.
The Sukhoi Su-35 has come under the spotlight after reports about Tehran’s willingness to acquire the Russia-made fighters.
It’s not only Iran that has demonstrated lively interest in Russia’s aerial technology, but also the People’s Republic of China that has bought 24 Su-35 combat aircraft so far. What’s so special about the warplane?
It has a digital complex that allows you to deliver high-precision strikes using cheap unguided bombs. This is a universal machine that has the potential for modernization through the installation of new reconnaissance, electronic warfare, avionics, guidance, etc.
It is very important that the advantages of this aircraft were confirmed in combat. This was also recognized by American experts.
The single-seat, twin-engine, super-maneuverable aircraft is a version of the Sukhoi Su-27 fighter that has been greatly modernized. The Su-35 is a “4++” generation warplane that uses fifth-generation fighter technology.
According to the United Aircraft Corporation, it was designed so that it could fly and fight in conditions where “classic” (4+ generation) fighters were unable to engage in combat.
The multi-role warplane combines the qualities of a modern fighter, which boasts high supersonic speed and long range, and a good tactical airplane that can carry a wide range of weapons, including a modern electronic warfare system.
In addition, it can both operate independently, or as part of a battle group controlled from an aerial, ground-based or ship-based command center.
In addition to the Su-35’s combat capabilities, there are several other reasons why the People’s Republic of China has taken an interest in the jet fighter.
The Su-35’s were of interest to the Chinese because they represent the maximum development of the Su-27 family aircraft in Russia, Kashin told Sputnik. Chinese aircraft based on the design of the Su-27 will form the basis of the fleet for a long time to come.
They are not as perfect as the [China-made] fifth-generation J-20 fighters, but they are cheaper and more reliable. Therefore, the Chinese are interested in [Russia’s] experience in the development of [the Su-27] family of machines.
Kashin pointed out that no country could currently provide itself with a complete set of cutting-edge military technologies and therefore everyone has to resort to international cooperation.
China has made significant progress, but [Russia] still has certain advantages in aircraft engines, in the design of aircraft, in certain types of their equipment, Kashin highlighted.
far in real war conditions, according to Vadim Kozyulin. In contrast, the Sukhoi Su-35 has already proven highly effective both during the Syrian civil war and Russia’s special military operation to demilitarize and de-Nazify Ukraine.
In addition, Russian aircraft and other weapon systems are of interest for China because they were specifically designed to endure extreme weather conditions (frost and heat) and ensure easy maintenance of equipment under critical circumstances, in the absence of reliable logistics or qualified support, according to Kozyulin.
Russian technology is reliable, unpretentious and relatively inexpensive, which is important in a real combat environment, the scholar emphasized.
The Chinese aircraft have not yet surpassed the technical characteristics of the Su-35. For example, they have not yet been able to develop an aircraft engine with similar parameters.
Therefore, for Chinese engineers, the Su-35 represents an interesting research base to try to use Russian findings to develop their own warplanes.
But Russian engineers are also continuing to develop their projects. Export of the aircraft provides funds for new research. Therefore, Sukhoi is always open for new export sales.
Sputnik / ABC Flash-Point News 2023.
This ‘generation gap’ the West prides themselves so much about, is pretty useless, because the difference between 4th and 5th generation fighter aircraft is only the ‘stealthiness’, …5th generation are more stealthy. But this stealth, in Western aircraft at least, comes with a trade-off: the more stealthy, the less maneuverable. In the NATO attack on Serbia, the US Air-force’s F117, …apparently 5th generation, was shot down by the Serbs with a 4th generation radar guided missile, …because the pilot just couldn’t maneuver the aircraft out of the radar cone. The SU-35 is SUPREMELY maneuverable! …shoot at it with WHATEVER you… Read more »
Russian technology is in the zone.