Since the onset of the conflict in Ukraine, military experts have speculated on the potential role of the Su-35S as a protective escort for Russian Su-34 fighter-bombers. While the operational capabilities of the Su-35S supported these theories, Moscow had not officially acknowledged this role until recently.

In a recent announcement, the Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed that a Su-34, accompanied by the multi-role Su-35S, executed an airstrike against a Ukrainian military stronghold and personnel.

“The supersonic, multi-role Su-34 fighter-bomber, supported by the Su-35S, launched from its base and conducted a bombing operation on a position held by the Ukrainian Armed Forces,” the Ministry stated.

The operation employed advanced universal planning and correction modules. “Following the successful completion of the mission, the entire formation returned to base without incident. Intelligence reports indicate that the targets were effectively neutralized,” the statement continued.

This confirmed deployment of the Su-35S as an escort signifies a notable evolution in Russia’s aerial operations over Ukraine, highlighting its ability to safeguard critical assets during combat.

The choice to utilize the Su-35S for escort duties instead of the more advanced Su-35SM can be attributed to various operational and tactical considerations. Although the Su-35SM boasts superior avionics, sensors, and weaponry, the Su-35S remains a highly capable and adaptable platform, fulfilling multiple roles, including air superiority and escort functions.

Equipped with robust radar and advanced armaments, the Su-35S offers sufficient protection and situational awareness for escorting a bomber like the Su-34, which is inherently less agile and more susceptible in contested airspace.

In this scenario, the Su-35S is frequently regarded as adequate for escorting bombers over Ukraine, where the primary threats consist of countering Ukrainian air defense systems and hostile aircraft. The Su-35S is capable of effectively engaging and neutralizing these threats, thereby allowing the Su-34 to concentrate on its bombing operations.

Logistical and operational factors may also play a role in the decision to deploy the Su-35S. It is more abundantly available in substantial numbers compared to the Su-35SM, which, despite its advanced features, may not be as extensively utilized in active operations.

Moreover, opting for the Su-35S could be a strategic decision aimed at preserving the more advanced Su-35SMs for missions where their enhanced sensors and electronic warfare capabilities would be more critical.

The Su-35S can efficiently carry out the escort mission, safeguarding the Su-34 while ensuring air superiority, without the added complexity and expense associated with deploying the more advanced Su-35SM.

This choice reflects a strategic approach to resource management, ensuring that the most suitable assets are allocated for specific mission needs while maintaining the overall effectiveness and readiness of the force.

The letter “S” in the designation Su-35S does not indicate a specific modification of the aircraft but is a Russian abbreviation for “Sydney,” which translates to “medium” in English.

This designation is used to identify aircraft of this category that are designed for multi-role combat operations, capable of executing air-to-air, air-to-ground, and airspace defense missions. These aircraft are adaptable and highly maneuverable, making them well-suited for a variety of combat scenarios.

The Su-35S is a state-of-the-art, multi-role, twin-engine fighter aircraft developed by Sukhoi for the Russian Air Force. It marks a significant advancement in the Su-27 lineage, integrating the latest technologies and improvements in avionics and airframe design.

This aircraft is engineered to undertake a wide range of missions, including air superiority, ground attack, and electronic warfare. Emphasizing adaptability and survivability, the Su-35S can effectively engage both aerial and terrestrial targets in highly contested scenarios.

Equipped with a robust Zhuk-A radar, a phased array radar system, the Su-35S boasts long-range detection and tracking capabilities. This radar can identify targets at distances exceeding 400 kilometers and track up to 30 targets simultaneously, while engaging as many as eight targets at once.

The sophisticated radar system enables the Su-35S to function effectively in environments with intense electronic warfare and to counteract enemy radar-jamming tactics. Additionally, the aircraft is outfitted with infrared search and track (IRST) systems, which enhance its ability to detect and engage stealthy or low-observable targets at close and medium ranges.

Powering the Su-35S are two Saturn AL-41F1S engines, which deliver an exceptional thrust-to-weight ratio, allowing the aircraft to reach speeds of up to 2.25 Mach. These engines are equipped with advanced thrust-vectoring nozzles, significantly enhancing the aircraft’s maneuverability and enabling it to execute highly agile maneuvers during aerial combat.

The thrust vectoring capability is especially advantageous in close-range dogfights, where agility is essential for gaining the upper hand over adversaries. This feature provides the Su-35S with a distinct edge over many other modern fighter aircraft in terms of maneuverability.

The Su-35S cockpit is engineered to enhance the pilot’s situational awareness and facilitate control. It features a glass cockpit with digital multifunction displays, complemented by a helmet-mounted sight that enables targeting and weapon deployment without the need for direct visual contact with the target.

Additionally, the Su-35S is outfitted with a sophisticated electronic warfare system, which includes an active electronic countermeasures capability and a radar warning receiver, providing the pilot with timely alerts regarding enemy radar and missile threats.

Regarding armament, the Su-35S can accommodate a diverse array of weapons, making it versatile for various mission profiles. It has a maximum payload capacity of 8 tons, allowing for the deployment of numerous air-to-air, air-to-ground, and precision-guided munitions.

The aircraft is fitted with 12 hardpoints, enabling it to carry a broad selection of missiles, bombs, and other ordnance. In air-to-air engagements, the Su-35S can utilize the R-77 medium-range missile and the R-73 short-range missile, both known for their effectiveness in combat.

Moreover, the Su-35S can launch precision-guided munitions for air-to-ground operations, including the Kh-31 anti-ship missile and the Kh-59 guided missile.

A notable aspect of the Su-35S is its cutting-edge avionics suite, which features a digital fly-by-wire control system that guarantees smooth handling and improved stability during high-performance maneuvers.

The fly-by-wire system significantly alleviates the pilot’s workload by automatically modifying flight controls in response to the aircraft’s speed, altitude, and orientation. This system is further enhanced by a sophisticated navigation suite, which includes GPS and GLONASS functionalities, enabling the Su-35S to execute long-range missions with exceptional accuracy, even in environments where GPS signals are unavailable.

Additionally, the Su-35S is equipped with improved survivability features, such as advanced radar-absorbing materials integrated into its airframe. These materials minimize its radar cross-section, thereby enhancing its capability to operate in hostile airspace.

While the aircraft incorporates modern stealth attributes, it does not achieve the full stealth profile of platforms like the F-22 or F-35. However, its reduced radar signature and cutting-edge avionics provide a considerable advantage in electronic warfare and countermeasures against enemy detection systems.

Operationally, the Su-35S serves primarily as a frontline fighter for the Russian Air Force, tasked with maintaining air superiority and countering potential aerial threats. It is adept in both offensive and defensive operations, capable of engaging enemy aircraft in dogfights or delivering close air support to ground forces.

Its multirole functionality renders it a vital component of the Russian Air Force’s arsenal, allowing for seamless transitions between various mission profiles without sacrificing performance.

The Su-35S plays a crucial role in Russia’s strategy for regional power projection, engaging in multiple military operations and serving as a significant deterrent to potential threats. Its capacity to deploy a variety of munitions, combined with cutting-edge avionics, establishes it as a formidable presence in contemporary aerial warfare.

As a vital asset in Russia’s air combat framework, the Su-35S provides a flexible and robust platform that meets diverse operational needs.