Article Summary and Key Points: The Su-35S Flanker-M, an advanced evolution of the Su-27, is a formidable air superiority fighter favored by Russia, China, and Indonesia. Designed for superior maneuverability and equipped with advanced avionics, powerful engines, and a high-performance radar system, the Flanker-M can engage multiple targets with precision.
Key Point #1 – Featuring supercruise capability, enhanced electronic warfare systems, and potential upgrades to AESA radar and long-range missiles, it stands as a significant player in modern aerial combat.
Key Points #2 – As Indonesia bolsters its fleet with both Su-35S and F-35s, Russia seeks more export customers to challenge Western air power, positioning the Su-35S as a competitive alternative.
4 Words: A Powerhouse Fighter Jet
Su-35S Flanker-M: Russia’s Answer to Western Fighter Jets
If you are a battle planner or air force strategist for the Chinese military, you have probably grown to love the Russian-made Su-35S Flanker-M. Same with the military in Indonesia. These jets are popular with the defense forces of both countries.
The airframes punch above their weight when it comes to air superiority roles. The Su-35S has another moniker, the Su-35BM. These two variants are essentially the same airplane, with the Su-35S designated for export.
China acquired 24 Su-35S jets for its air force in 2015, while the Indonesians bought 11 Su-35S models in 2018.
Russia has been buying the warbirds since 2009, and they ended orders in 2015. Sukhoi began flight testing of the Flanker-M in 2011, and six were sold to the Air Force in 2012.
Time for an Era of ‘Big Modernization’
The Su-35S was earlier called the Su-35BM. That stands for bolshaya modernizatsiya—or “big modernization.” The Su-35BM evolved from the Su-27. The modernized warplane can serve as an air superiority fighter with some elements of multi-role characteristics.
The Su-35BM is an excellent dogfighter with the maneuverability pilots love. It can pull +9G maneuvers. The high angle of attack allows for superior aerial combat capability.
The Su-35BM, like many Russian fighters, made its first appearance at the popular Aerosalon MAKS air show in Moscow in August 2007. The Su-35BM changed its name to the Su-35S in 2010, and other air forces around the world took notice.
Flanker-M Turns the Corner
Russia needed a fighter that could improve on that Su-27 platform with better dogfighting ability and maneuvers to make the airplane more survivable in a multi-threat environment.
Advanced Engines, Avionics, and Supercruise Mode
The Flanker-M has new engines and an improved avionics and electronics system. It also has external drop tanks. The Su-35S has a valuable supercruise feature. The radar is top-notch, and there is a new electronic warfare system.
“The avionic suite is fully digital. The centerpiece is the Tikhomirov NIIP N035 Irbis E (Snow Leopard) 20-kiloWatt class steerable hybrid ESA radar. A new glass cockpit is employed, using large area displays. The Khibiny electronic warfare suite is employed, with new wingtip DRFM technology jamming pods,” according to AusAirPower.net.
This Warbird Is a Difference-Maker
The Flanker-M will eventually have an AESA radar and carry the R-172, a very long-range air-to-air missile. Some analysts have described the Su-35S as a “game changer” that can challenge many other fourth-generation jets worldwide.
China and Indonesia are glad to have the Su-35S as the airplane gives the two countries many options for aerial battle. Russia is not likely to give the fighter the “thumbs down” either.
The aerial combat capabilities are strong, and Vladimir Putin’s air force generals are probably disappointed that they did not order more.
Thus, the future is rosy for the Su-35S. Sukhoi could export them to other countries as a way to bolster air forces around the world. The updated AESA radar makes the Su-35S more survivable, and the warbird is an answer to the American F-16 Fighting Falcon.
Indonesia’s Su-35S Will Give It a Shot in the Arm
Indonesia is an interesting customer for the Su-35S. The Oceana-located nation is not known for its air force, but that is changing. The United States would prefer its ally not to buy Russian military hardware, and Americans who believe in what I call “fighter plane diplomacy” may want to work with Jakarta to buy more airplanes from the United States.
Indeed, that is precisely what happened with the Indonesians, as they ordered 48 F-35s from the United States in 2021. The F-35s will help to modernize the Indonesian fleet. With the Su-35S, Indonesia will have a strong air force to protect itself from China if needed.
The Flanker-M is an excellent fighter that is a plus to Russia, China, and Indonesia. It has ample air superiority features and can tip the balance in combat. It will become more modernized in time with better radar systems and avionics upgrades.
The Flanker-M is a good addition to the Su-35 family of jets that Russia has depended on for so long. Moscow may be able to find more customers for the Su-35S, and Vladimir Putin would love to supply the Flanker-M to air forces that need a boost and counteract American influence abroad by blunting the effect of Washington’s fighter plane diplomacy.
Su-35: A Photo Collection
Su-35. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
Su-35S fighter. Image Credit: Russian State Media.
Artist rendering of a Russian Su-35 fighter. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
Su-35. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
About the Author: Dr. Brent M. Eastwood
Brent M. Eastwood, PhD is the author of Don’t Turn Your Back On the World: a Conservative Foreign Policy and Humans, Machines, and Data: Future Trends in Warfare plus two other books. Brent was the founder and CEO of a tech firm that predicted world events using artificial intelligence. He served as a legislative fellow for U.S. Senator Tim Scott and advised the senator on defense and foreign policy issues. He has taught at American University, George Washington University, and George Mason University. Brent is a former U.S. Army Infantry officer. He can be followed on X @BMEastwood.
