RuAviation

The United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) has completed its 2025 production and delivery program for Su-35S multirole fighters destined for the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS). The latest batch of aircraft successfully passed the full cycle of factory ground and flight tests and was formally accepted into service. UAC confirmed the completion of deliveries in an official statement.

According to a Su-35S pilot, the aircraft were accepted in line with priority tasking defined by the Russian Ministry of Defense for the delivery of high-demand military hardware. “The Su-35S is in high demand within operational units. Pilots value the aircraft, and it has demonstrated strong performance during combat operations,” the pilot noted.

The Su-35S is one of the core fourth-generation-plus (4++) tactical fighters in VKS service. The aircraft is designed to achieve air superiority, conduct missions at extended ranges from home bases, and operate effectively in adverse weather conditions. Its airframe design, propulsion system, and integrated avionics enable extended airborne patrols and the employment of a wide range of air-to-air and air-to-surface weapons.

UAC’s 2025 production program marked a record year for combat aircraft output across the corporation’s manufacturing facilities. UAC CEO Vadim Badekha stated that several plants fulfilled their contractual obligations ahead of schedule, while others are completing remaining deliveries in accordance with agreed timelines. In parallel, the corporation is finalizing its production plan for the next year, taking into account capacity utilization and industrial cooperation.

During 2025, the Russian Aerospace Forces received seven batches of Su-35S fighters. Deliveries took place on March 29, May 12, June 25, August 21, September 24, November 1, and with a final batch delivered in December. Industry sources estimate that total deliveries for the year amounted to between 17 and 20 aircraft, exceeding the previous year’s output.

By comparison, in 2024 the Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aircraft Plant delivered four batches of Su-35S fighters to the Russian Ministry of Defense, with an estimated total of approximately 15 aircraft. Current deliveries are believed to be executed under an additional contract signed between UAC and the Ministry of Defense beyond previously concluded agreements.

Taking into account all serial deliveries from 2012 through the end of 2024, the Russian Aerospace Forces had received approximately 135 Su-35S fighters. As a result, the total fleet is estimated to reach around 155 aircraft by the end of 2025.