On Thursday, August 21, 2025, the Russian state corporation Rostec announced that its subsidiary, the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), had delivered the fourth batch this year of Su-35S multirole fighters (NATO reporting name: Flanker-E) to the Aerospace Forces (VKS).
Photo: United Aircraft Corporation (UAC)
The 4++ generation aircraft underwent a complete cycle of factory trials, were accepted by technical personnel, and tested in various modes of operation by Russian Ministry of Defense pilots before flying under their own power from the Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aircraft Production Association (KnAAPO) in Russia’s Far East to their home air base.
Earlier deliveries this year took place on March 29, May 12, and June 25. As with previous reports, the number of aircraft delivered was not disclosed due to wartime information restrictions; however, estimates suggest that batches may consist of two to three aircraft each.
“As part of the goals set by the Russian Minister of Defense regarding the delivery of weapons and equipment to the military, Aerospace Forces crews received Su-35S aircraft, which will be used for air defense missions and protecting the state border. The aircraft enables us to carry out all tasks assigned to our aviation, from escorting aircraft to protecting ground facilities,” said a Su-35S pilot from the VKS.
“Rostec’s aviation plants maintain a high production tempo under the state defense order. Several batches of Su-35S fighters have already been delivered this year, and the process continues, with new aircraft already in production for upcoming deliveries. The Su-35S is one of the most effective combat aircraft in the world, armed with long-range air-to-air and air-to-surface guided missiles, and equipped with electronic warfare and missile defense systems as well as other advanced avionics, making it a serious threat to the enemy,” said Rostec Executive Director Oleg Yevtushenko.
Last year, UAC delivered four batches of Su-35S to the Russian Ministry of Defense: on April 12, May 8, September 12, and November 11. In 2023, UAC delivered five batches: on March 23, July 13, September 28, October 24, and November 24, likely from a 2021 order for 24 aircraft (the fourth Su-35S production contract). Deliveries of the first four aircraft began in December 2022, with the contract originally scheduled for completion in early 2024.
Meanwhile, on June 7 of this year, one of these aircraft was shot down over Kursk Oblast in a successful operation by the Ukrainian Air Force—unofficially by an F-16 multirole fighter. This was the thirteenth Su-35S lost by Russia since the start of the full-scale war with Ukraine on February 24, 2022.
As of December 2022, when the latest delivery figures were disclosed, Russia had 110 Su-35S aircraft. After fulfilling the newest contract, the fleet is expected to number up to 128, minus those lost in combat.
Compared to its predecessor, the Su-27P/S, the Su-35S/SE multirole fighter features enlarged wings, tail surfaces, and air intakes, as well as a reduced radar cross-section (RCS). It is powered by two Saturn Lyulka AL-37F (117S) twin-spool turbofan engines, featuring thrust-vectoring nozzles and an extended service life. Its N035 Irbis-E radar, fitted with a passive electronically scanned array (PESA) antenna, can track 30 airborne targets and engage eight simultaneously, or track up to 4 ground targets without interrupting airspace scanning.
In terms of exports, the Su-35S has been delivered to China (24 units) and Iran (originally 25 ordered, later reportedly increased to 50). Orders for 11 from Indonesia and 24 from Egypt were canceled. The fighter was also unsuccessfully offered to Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, India, and Algeria (which has since opted for the Su-57E). At the same time, Vietnam, Kazakhstan, North Korea, and Pakistan expressed preliminary interest in the project. Recently, reports have surfaced that Sudan, which had previously shown interest, is negotiating a purchase.
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