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Su-35 vs Su-57: Russia’s Top Fighter Jets Compared

Su-35 vs Su-57: Russia’s Top Fighter Jets Compared

Su-35 Flanker-E Fighter Jet vs SU-57 Felon Stealth Fighter

The Su-35 and Su-57 are Russia’s premier fighter jets, each designed for air superiority but with distinct roles. The Su-35 excels in agility, super-maneuverability, and advanced radar systems, making it lethal in dogfights. The Su-57, Russia’s stealth fifth-generation fighter, offers advanced avionics, low observability, and precision strike capability. While the Su-35 is a proven multirole workhorse, the Su-57 emphasizes next-generation technology and stealth dominance. Comparing speed, weapons load, radar, and mission versatility, this guide reveals which jet suits modern combat scenarios best, helping defense enthusiasts, analysts, and aviation fans understand Russia’s aerial power.

	Su-35 Flanker-E Fighter Jet SU-57 Felon Stealth Fighter

Price
Our Rating	7.6 8.0
Manufacturer	Sukhoi Sukhoi
Category	Fighter Jets Fighter Jets

General Information

Name	Su-35 Flanker-E Su-57 Felon
Manufacturer	Sukhoi (United Aircraft Corporation) Sukhoi (UAC)
Country of Origin	Russia Russia
Type / Role	Multirole Air Superiority Fighter Stealth Air Superiority / Multirole Fighter
Generation	4++ Fifth
Status	Active Service In limited service
First Flight	February 19, 2008 January 29, 2010
Introduction / In Service Since	2014 2020
Number Built	120+ ~25 (as of 2025)
Operators	Russia, China, Egypt, Indonesia (pending) Russian Aerospace Forces

Dimensions & Structure

Length	21.9 m 20.1 m
Wingspan	15.3 m 14.1 m
Height	5.9 m 4.6 m
Wing Area	62 m² 78.8 m²
Empty Weight	18,400 kg ~18,000 kg
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)	34,500 kg 35,000 kg
Internal Weapons Bay	None Yes (2 main, 2 side)
External Hardpoints	12 6

Performance

Maximum Speed	Mach 2.25 (2,400 km/h) Mach 2.0
Range	3,600 km (ferry) 3,500 km
Combat Radius	1,500 km 1,500 km
Service Ceiling	18,000 m 20,000 m
Rate of Climb	280 m/s 330 m/s
Thrust-to-Weight Ratio	1.15 ~1.15
G Limits	+9 +9

Powerplant

Engine Type	Saturn AL-41F1S (117S) Saturn AL-41F1 (future Izdeliye 30)
No. of Engines	2 2
Thrust (each)	142 kN with afterburner 142 kN with afterburner
Thrust Vectoring	Yes (3D TVC) Yes (3D)
Fuel Capacity	~11,500 kg internal ~10,300 kg

Armament

Gun	1× 30mm GSh-30-1 cannon 30mm GSh-30-1 cannon
Missiles (Air-to-Air)	R-77, R-27, R-73 R-77, R-74M, R-37M
Missiles (Air-to-Ground)	Kh-31, Kh-29, Kh-59 Kh-38, Kh-59MK2
Bombs	FAB series, KAB precision-guided bombs KAB-250/500 guided bombs
Hardpoints	12 10 (internal + external)
Payload Capacity	8,000 kg 10,000 kg

Avionics & Systems

Radar	Irbis-E PESA radar N036 Byelka AESA
Radar Range	400 km (air targets) 400+ km
Electronic Warfare (EW) System	Khibiny-M L402 Himalayas suite
Targeting System	OLS-35 IRST IRST + radar fusion
Helmet Display	Yes Integrated HMS
Navigation	GLONASS/INS GLONASS-based INS
Autopilot / AI Assistance	Digital flight control Partial autonomy
Communication	Secure data link, VHF/UHF radio Encrypted data link

Stealth & Technology

Radar Cross Section (RCS)	~1–3 m² Estimated 0.3–0.5 m²
Stealth Features	Radar-absorbent coatings, composite materials Internal bays, radar-absorbing composites
Infrared Signature Reduction	Moderate (engine shielding) Engine shielding, cooling design
Sensor Fusion	Limited Multi-source integration
Networking Capabilities	Tactical data link Limited data-link interoperability

Variants

Special Export Versions

Su-35SK (China), Su-35E (Egypt) Su-57E (Export Variant)

Operational History

Major Conflicts / Deployments	Syria, Ukraine (limited combat use) Syria (testing), Ukraine (limited combat)
Notable Operators	Russia, China, Egypt Russia
Combat Proven?	Yes Limited
Mission Types	Air superiority, interception, strike, escort Air superiority, strike, reconnaissance

Cost & Program

Unit Cost	~$85 million (export) ~$45–50 million (estimated)
Development Cost	Estimated $1.5 billion ~$10 billion (PAK FA program)
Program Name	Su-35 Development Program PAK FA (T-50)
Funding Countries	Russia Russia

Additional Information

Upgrades Planned	Radar and cockpit modernization New radar, Izdeliye 30 engines
Future Replacement	Su-57 Felon None planned (Su-57M modernization)
Export Restrictions	Russian arms control regulations Controlled by Russian government
Notable Achievements	High agility and radar performance Russia’s first fifth-gen stealth jet
Competitors	F-15EX, Rafale, Eurofighter Typhoon F-22 Raptor, F-35 Lightning II, J-20 Mighty Dragon

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