Summary and Key Points: The Sukhoi Su-35 "Flanker," designed as an advanced multirole fighter for air superiority and precise ground strike missions, has faced significant challenges in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

-Despite its advanced technology and capabilities, including enhanced maneuverability, improved radar systems, and powerful engines, the Su-35 has struggled to establish air superiority over Ukraine.

-Recent reports highlight the downing of multiple Su-35s, with Russian forces suffering heavy losses in the conflict. The aircraft's performance issues underscore the broader difficulties facing Russia's military efforts in Ukraine.

Su-35 Fighter Jet Struggles in Ukraine: Advanced Russian Aircraft Fails to Dominate the Skies

The Sukhoi Su-35 “Flanker” was designed to serve as an advanced multirole fighter that could establish air superiority and execute precise ground strike missions.

Yet, over the skies of Ukraine, the Su-35 has struggled to survive.

Failing to establish air superiority

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has made Russian President Vladimir Putin and his regime the pariahs of the international community. Simultaneously, the invasion, which has dragged on ineffectively for over two years, has invited scrutiny of Russia’s military machine.

The fact is that the invasion did not go as planned or expected for Russian forces; Russia was supposed to be able to make significant territorial gains and secure airspace over the warzone. Yet, as the conflict enters its third year, neither objective has been accomplished.

Russia’s inability to win the airspace over Ukraine is one of the ingredients that has led to a war of attrition, stagnant and viscously fought, where both sides have suffered immense casualties. Russia especially has endured heavy losses with respect to its tanks, troops, and aircraft. One of the aircraft that Russia has had trouble keeping airborne against the pesky Ukrainians is the Su-35.

Derived from the Su-27

The Su-35 is derived from the Su-27. Yet, the Su-35 is visually discernible from its predecessor thanks to canards placed forward of the wings on the fuselage. The Su-35’s canards, plus a reshaped wing leading-edge extension, allow for the redirection of airflow—which has solved a buffeting problem that plagued the Su-27 during flight at high angles of attack.

The Su-35 can sustain flight at up to 10gs with the updated flight surfaces. Its flight surfaces, along with a sophisticated fly-by-wire system, allow the jet to achieve enhanced maneuverability over its predecessor.

Additional upgrades include a new weapons-control system featuring a phase-arrayed radar with pulse-Doppler tracking, known as the N011 Bars. The new N011 Bars allows the Su-35 to track targets below the horizon—which enhances the Su-35’s ability to interact with ground-based targets. Indeed, the N011 offers a significant upgrade over the N001 Myech radar found on the Su-27. Whereas the N001 could only track ten targets and fire two missiles simultaneously, the N011 can track fifteen targets and fire six missiles simultaneously.

With two Saturn Al-41F1S turbofan engines providing 30,900 pounds of thrust each (with afterburner engaged), the Su-35 can reach a top speed of Mach 2.25.

The Su-35 Fighter Is in Trouble over Ukraine

While the Su-35 has an impressive array of technological features, the jet has none the less struggled to survive during the Russia-Ukraine war. In the last few months, multiple Su-35s have been shot down, one of which was off the coast of Sevastopol, Crimea.

“Footage online showed a jet on fire, spiraling into the sea and exploding,” reported The Guardian. “The Russian-installed governor of the illegally occupied region, Mikhail Razvoshayev, said on Thursday the pilot ejected and was picked up by rescuers but have no details as to the cause of the crash.”

While the exact cause of the Sevastopol crash may not be clear, the incident is hardly isolated. In February alone, Ukrainian forces downed thirteen Russian aircraft—two of which were the Su-35. “The Russian air force has lost 95 jets since February 2022,” Forbes reported. “That’s four per month.” Yet, in February 2024, “the air force has written off warplanes at a rate of 60 per month.”

About the Author: Harrison Kass

Harrison Kass is a defense and national security writer with over 1,000 total pieces on issues involving global affairs. An attorney, pilot, guitarist, and minor pro hockey player, Harrison joined the US Air Force as a Pilot Trainee but was medically discharged. Harrison holds a BA from Lake Forest College, a JD from the University of Oregon, and an MA from New York University. Harrison listens to Dokken.

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