Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) has delivered another batch of Su-35S multirole fighters to the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS), marking the third such delivery in 2026.
The aircraft completed factory flight testing at Komsomolsk-on-Amur before flying to their operational base. UAC did not disclose the number of aircraft delivered or their individual airframe numbers. The previous batches were delivered on 17 April and 26 May.
The latest delivery adds to the VKS fleet of Su-35S fighters, which are used for both air-defence and strike missions. Russian Ministry of Defence reporting has shown the type operating as an escort for Tu-95MS strategic bombers and Tu-22M3 long-range bombers during extended flights over international waters, as well as providing cover for army aviation helicopters conducting ground-attack missions.
The Su-35S is powered by two Saturn AL-41F-1S afterburning turbofan engines, each rated at 14,500 kgf. The aircraft has a maximum take-off weight of 34.5 tonnes and can carry up to 8 tonnes of weapons. Its internal fuel capacity is 11.5 tonnes.
The fighter has 12 external weapon stations and a 30 mm GSh-30-1 cannon. Its weapon suite includes R-27 and R-77 air-to-air missiles, the long-range R-37M, and a range of air-to-surface missiles and guided bombs. The aircraft is equipped with the Irbis-E radar, which Russian sources claim can detect targets at ranges of up to 400 km and track up to 30 airborne targets while engaging eight simultaneously.
The Su-35S remains in series production at UAC’s Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aircraft Plant. The continued deliveries indicate that the programme remains an active source of new combat aircraft for the VKS alongside other Russian fighter programmes.
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