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Su-35S Flanker-E Fighter Jet

Su-35S Flanker-E Fighter Jet

Manufacturer: Sukhoi
Category: Fighter Jets
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Generation 4.5 Generation
Maximum Speed Mach 2.25
No. of Engines 2
Radar Range Up to 400 km (Irbis-E)

Full Specifications

General Information

Name	Sukhoi Su-35S Flanker-E
Manufacturer	Sukhoi / UAC
Country of Origin	Russia
Type / Role	Multirole Air Superiority Fighter
Generation	4.5 Generation
Status	In Service
First Flight	2008
Introduction / In Service Since	2014
Number Built	150+
Operators	Russia, China, Egypt

Dimensions & Structure

Length	21.9 m
Wingspan	15.3 m
Height	5.9 m
Wing Area	62 m²
Empty Weight	~18,400 kg
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)	34,500 kg
Internal Weapons Bay	None
External Hardpoints	12

Performance

Maximum Speed	Mach 2.25
Range	3,600 km
Combat Radius	1,600 km
Service Ceiling	59,000 ft
Rate of Climb	55,000 ft/min
Thrust-to-Weight Ratio	~1.15
G Limits	+9 g

Powerplant

Engine Type	Saturn AL-41F1S
No. of Engines	2
Thrust (each)	32,000 lbf with afterburner
Thrust Vectoring	Yes
Fuel Capacity	~11,500 kg internal

Armament

Gun	30mm GSh-30-1
Missiles (Air-to-Air)	R-73, R-77-1, R-37M
Missiles (Air-to-Ground)	Kh-31, Kh-29, Kh-59
Bombs	Guided & unguided
Hardpoints	12
Payload Capacity	~8,000 kg

Avionics & Systems

Radar	Irbis-E PESA
Radar Range	Up to 400 km
Electronic Warfare (EW) System	Khibiny-M
Targeting System	IRST & external pods
Helmet Display	Yes
Navigation	GLONASS/INS
Autopilot / AI Assistance	Yes
Communication	Secure VHF/UHF

Stealth & Technology

Radar Cross Section (RCS)	1–3 m² (estimated)
Stealth Features	Reduced IR, composite surfaces
Infrared Signature Reduction	Partial
Sensor Fusion	Limited
Networking Capabilities	Tactical datalink

Variants

Special Export Versions

Su-35SK, Su-35SE

Operational History

Major Conflicts / Deployments	Syria operations, patrol missions
Notable Operators	Russia, China, Egypt
Combat Proven?	Yes
Mission Types	Air superiority, strike, escort, patrol

Cost & Program

Unit Cost	$75–85 million
Development Cost	Not publicly disclosed
Program Name	Su-35 Modernization
Funding Countries	Russia

Additional Information

Upgrades Planned	Improved avionics, new missiles
Future Replacement	Su-57
Export Restrictions	Depends on Russian policy
Notable Achievements	One of the most maneuverable non-stealth fighters
Competitors	F-15EX, Rafale, Typhoon, J-16

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

Technology 8 / 10
Performance 8 / 10
Firepower 7 / 10
Range & Endurance 9 / 10
Reliability & Maintenance 8 / 10

PROS

High maneuverability with thrust-vectoring capability
Long operational range
Powerful Irbis-E radar with extended detection distance
Large payload capacity
Capable multirole performance across air-to-air and strike missions

CONS

Not a stealth aircraft
Avionics less advanced than top U.S. or European fighters
Limited networking and data-link compatibility
Export subject to political restrictions
Higher maintenance demands compared to Western platforms

The Sukhoi Su-35S Flanker-E stands among Russia’s most capable 4.5-generation multirole fighters, designed to bridge the gap between legacy Soviet fighters and next-generation platforms. Developed by Sukhoi and produced by the United Aircraft Corporation, the Su-35S enhances the proven Flanker airframe with modern avionics, higher thrust engines, and expanded long-range strike abilities. Its design targets air superiority, precision strike missions, and extended endurance operations—capabilities that have drawn global attention from U.S. and European defense observers.

Advanced Airframe & Performance

Powered by two Saturn AL-41F1S turbofan engines with thrust vectoring, the Su-35S reaches speeds above Mach 2 and delivers exceptional maneuverability, particularly at low speeds and high angles of attack. The jet’s large airframe allows for substantial internal fuel, giving it a long combat radius suited for operations across Russia’s vast geography and contested airspaces.

Weapons & Avionics

The Su-35S carries a mix of beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles—including R-77-1 and R-37M—and precision air-to-ground weapons. Its Irbis-E radar, known for long-range target tracking, supports multi-target engagement and situational awareness. Although not a stealth aircraft, the Su-35S integrates modern electronic warfare suites, infrared search and track (IRST), and a glass cockpit.

Operational Use

The Su-35S serves primarily with the Russian Aerospace Forces and has been deployed in Syria and other regional operations, demonstrating long-endurance patrol capabilities and air-to-ground flexibility. While advanced, it competes against Western platforms such as the F-15EX, Rafale, and Eurofighter Typhoon.

Sukhoi Su-35S Flanker-E Price in US

While the Sukhoi Su-35S Flanker-E is not available for U.S. acquisition, international estimates place its unit cost between $75–$85 million, depending on configuration, support, and export terms.

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