Wars are never good for any nation or its people. Every country wants to prove its superiority in front of the entire world. Even the strongest countries in the world are fighting to have the deadliest weapons and dominate the skies.
Well, Russia has once again shown its dominance in that competition. Russia recently received the Su-35S multirole fighter jet, which has now been accepted into its Air Force. This is the same jet that pilots have described as the “lion of the skies,” whose roar sends enemies running.
What is Russia’s newest deadly weapon?
The United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) has officially handed this batch of Su-34 jet aircraft to the Russian Ministry of Defense. This transfer is notably important in that it is happening under circumstances in which Russia is facing tough Western sanctions. Even though there are huge sanctions in place, the manufacturing line never stopped, and new jets are being sent over to the Air Force. Russia is determined not to allow its air power to subside under any conditions.
How fast can it fly? What altitude can it reach?
The Su-35S is characterized as a 4++ generation multimission fighter. It can reportedly fly at a speed of Mach 2.25 or approximately 2,400 kilometers per hour. According to the News18 Hindi report, it can achieve an altitude of 18,000 meters and has a range of 3,600 kilometers, making it extremely deadly. The most important factor is that it comes equipped with supercruise technology, which enables it to fly at supersonic speeds without requiring an afterburner.
US President Donald Trump announced 25 per cent tariffs on Indian goods in July, even as there were hopes of an interim India-US trade deal that would have otherwise helped avoid elevated tariffs. A few days later, he imposed another 25 per cent tariff, taking the total to 50 per cent, citing India’s continued imports of Russian oil.
How does its radar system reinforce lethality? How does maneuverability affect combat performance?
This aircraft is not just about speed but is also unparalleled when it comes to firepower. The report further mentions that it has 12 hardpoints that can carry a large arsenal of missiles and bombs simultaneously. Its air-to-air missiles can shoot enemy jets out of the sky, while its air-to-ground and anti-ship missiles make it just as dangerous on land as it is on sea. Moreover, it comes equipped with a 30 mm autocannon that can be deadly against those nearby.
The most deadly weapon of the Su-35S is not its missiles, but its “brain” – its radar. The Irbis-E radar can detect targets up to 400 kilometers away. It can track 30 targets simultaneously and engage 8 of them at the same time. Its electronic warfare suites and optical sensors also ensure that it is a step ahead of the enemy in almost any situation, the report mentioned.
One of the distinctive features the SU-35s possesses is its super maneuverability. The thrust-vectoring engines allow it to move through the air like a hawk striking its prey. This aircraft can so easily perform maneuvers such as the “Cobra” and “Tail Slide” that leave enemy pilots stunned. This is why Russian pilots consider it the finest combat aircraft in its class.
Story Highlights
- The United Aircraft Corporation has officially handed this batch of Su-34 jet aircraft to the Russian Ministry of Defense.
- Su-35S is characterized as a 4++ generation multimission fighter.
- One of the significant features the SU-35s possesses is its super maneuverability.
- The Irbis-E radar can detect targets up to 400 kilometers away.
While the Su-35S is not a full stealth aircraft, its design and electronic systems make it partially undetectable on radar. It has a lifetime of service of more than 30 years; therefore, it will be a long-term boost to Russia’s air power. Russia is sending a clear message with each delivery of more new batches that going against Russian dominance in the skies will be no easy task.