Article Summary and Key Points: The MiG-35, Russia’s so-called “4++ generation” fighter, was meant to modernize the MiG-29 with improved avionics, an AESA radar, and enhanced maneuverability.
-However, despite its capabilities, the aircraft has struggled to find buyers. Russia itself has only acquired a handful, and major potential customers like India have passed on it.
-The war in Ukraine, competition from newer platforms like the Su-75, and a lack of stealth features have further hindered its appeal. With no significant export orders and overshadowed by more advanced fighters, the MiG-35 appears to be a project that has already reached a dead end.
MiG-35: Russia’s Advanced Fighter That Nobody Wants?
The Mikoyan MiG-35, also known by its NATO reporting name “Fulcrum-F,” is a multirole fighter aircraft developed by Mikoyan, a division of the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) in Russia.
Marketed as a 4++ generation jet fighter, the MiG-35 is an advanced evolution of the MiG-29M/M2 and MiG-29K/KUB fighters. However, despite its superiority over older MiG-29 models, the fighter has struggled to find its place on the international market, leading experts to question the future of the new aircraft.
Modernizing the MiG-29 Fighter
The MiG-35’s development can be traced back to the late 1980s when there were references to a design, also identified as “MiG-35,” a single-engine combat aircraft for air-to-air and secondary air-to-ground roles.
However, the modern MiG-35 is a twin-engine aircraft that evolved from the MiG-29 series. The first prototype of the MiG-35 was a modification of the MiG-29M2 model demonstrator, and it was officially presented internationally during the 2017 Moscow Air Show.
The MiG-35 was developed to address the changing demands of aerial warfare and the need for cost-effective yet capable multirole fighters. It was designed to bridge the gap between fourth-generation fighters and fifth-generation platforms like the Su-57.
The aircraft’s development included significant upgrades in avionics, radar systems, and weaponry, making it a formidable contender in the global fighter market.
Specifications and Features for MiG-35
The fighter is powered by two RD-33MK turbofan engines, which provide a thrust of 9,000 kgf (kilogram-force) each. These engines are smokeless and include systems that reduce infrared and optical visibility.
The aircraft’s maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) is 24,500 kg, with a maximum speed of Mach 2.25. The MiG-35 can operate at altitudes of up to 17,500 meters and has a range of 2,000 km without refueling, which can be extended to 3,100 km with external fuel tanks.
One of the main selling points of the MiG-35 is its advanced avionics suite. The aircraft has an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, providing superior target tracking and engagement capabilities.
The radar can detect and track up to 30 targets simultaneously and engage up to six targets simultaneously. Additionally, the MiG-35 features a uniquely designed optical locator system (OLS), which allows the aircraft to conduct independent multirole missions without relying on ground-controlled interception systems.
The MiG-35’s cockpit is designed with three large liquid-crystal multi-function displays, providing pilots with comprehensive situational awareness. The two-seat version, designated MiG-35UB, features four multi-function displays in the rear cockpit to distribute the workload between the two crew members.
The fighter has state-of-the-art avionics and sensor systems that significantly enhance its combat capabilities. One of the key features is the AESA radar (Active Electronically Scanned Array), which provides superior target detection, tracking, and engagement capabilities. This radar can detect and track up to 30 targets simultaneously and engage up to six targets simultaneously.
The AESA radar offers improved resistance to electronic countermeasures and greater reliability than older radar systems.
In addition to the AESA radar, the MiG-35 is fitted with an optical locator system (OLS). This system includes infrared search and track (IRST) capabilities, allowing the aircraft to detect and track targets based on their heat signatures.
The OLS can operate independently of the radar, providing a passive detection option that reduces the aircraft’s electromagnetic footprint
The MiG-35’s weapon systems are compatible with both Russian and foreign-made munitions, enhancing its appeal in the global market.
The aircraft’s high thrust-to-weight ratio and advanced fly-by-wire system provide exceptional maneuverability, making it a formidable opponent in dogfights.
Does Anybody Actually Want the MiG-35?
Despite its advanced capabilities, the fighter has faced challenges in gaining significant traction in both domestic and export markets. As of early 2025, only a limited number of MiG-35s have been commissioned into service with the Russian Aerospace Forces.
Although serial production of the aircraft is reportedly supposed to start this year. The aircraft’s lack of stealth features, essential for modern and future warfare, has limited its competitiveness against fifth-generation platforms.
Export prospects for the MiG-35 have also been tepid, with potential buyers opting for European, Chinese, or other Russian alternatives. Even Russia’s closer ally, India, has decided against acquiring the MiG-35.
The ongoing war in Ukraine has further complicated the production and fulfillment of export contracts. Additionally, developing newer medium-weight fighters with next-generation capabilities, such as the Su-75 Checkmate, has overshadowed the MiG-35’s prospects.
Currently, Peru, Myanmar, and Vietnam have expressed interest in acquiring the aircraft, but no official orders have been placed.
The Mikoyan MiG-35 represents a significant advancement in Russian multirole fighter technology, building on the legacy of the MiG-29 series. With its advanced avionics, versatile weapon systems, and exceptional maneuverability, the platform is a formidable aircraft in its own right.
However, the challenges it faces in terms of market acceptance and competition from newer platforms highlight the rapidly evolving nature of modern aerial warfare. The future of the fighter remains uncertain.
With very little international interest, the new aircraft seems to have reached a dead end.
MiG-35: A Story in Photos
MiG-35. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
Image Credit: Creative Commons.
This is a computer generated image for a video game – Creative Commons.
MiG-35. Image Credit: RAC MiG.
About the Author: Isaac Seitz
Isaac Seitz, a 19FortyFive Defense Columnist, graduated from Patrick Henry College’s Strategic Intelligence and National Security program. He has also studied Russian at Middlebury Language Schools and has worked as an intelligence Analyst in the private sector.
