Russia Revs Up MiG-35 Production as Fears of ‘Great War’ With West Grows

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — The fourth-generation +++ Russian fighter aircraft, the MiG-35 “Fulcrum Foxtrot,” is reportedly set to be produced on a large scale starting next year to meet the needs of the country’s air force.

This was confirmed by Yuri Slyusar, the Executive Director of the United Aircraft Production (UAC).

Russia is concerned that in the event of a large-scale conflict with Western countries led by the United States, it may not have a sufficient supply of fighter aircraft.

This justifies its efforts to initiate serial production of the MiG-35 fighter aircraft.

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which has seen several Russian fighter aircraft shot down by Western air defense systems, has prompted the country’s air force to consider how best to rebuild its fleet with new fighter aircraft.

 

The “recapitalization” of the Russian Air Force with new and more capable fighter aircraft needs to be done promptly before a “major conflict” with Western countries erupts.

The Russian military has several new fighter aircraft ready to enter service in the coming years, including fifth-generation aircraft like the Su-57 “Felon” and Su-75 “Checkmate,” along with the MiG-35.

It appears that urgent national needs have forced Russia to launch serial production of the MiG-35 fighter aircraft.

Previously, the future of the MiG-35 fighter appeared uncertain as no foreign countries seemed interested in acquiring it, even after promotional campaigns by the Russian government.

Malaysia was offered the MiG-35 to replace its retired MiG-29 fighter aircraft, but the offer was declined in favor of the light fighter FA-50 Block 20 produced by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI).

At present, six prototype MiG-35 aircraft have already been produced. Defense analysts in Russia have stated that the MiG-35 fighter is the most adaptable for the use of the latest weapon systems because it employs an “open architecture” approach.

Not only is it easy to adapt with the latest technology, but the MiG-35 fighter will also be equipped with a high-power AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar called “ZHUK-AM,” similar to Western fighter aircraft.

“The faster the enemy aircraft is detected (using the latest radar), the faster it can be eliminated.”

According to Russian defense analysts, the MiG-35 with the AESA radar Zhuk-AM can detect enemy aircraft at a range of 220 km, while the F-22 fighter aircraft can be detected at a range of 80 km.

The MiG-35’s capabilities can be compared to the latest F-16 aircraft from the United States, as it can track 30 targets simultaneously and engage six enemies at a time.

The maximum speed of the MiG-35 fighter aircraft is Mach 2.25, and it can fly at an altitude of 67,000 feet. It is powered by two Klimov RD-33K engines.

In addition, the MiG-35 fighter aircraft can carry various guided bombs and missiles, as well as a 30mm cannon. It also features an Electronic Warfare Pod to counter enemy aircraft and their air defense systems.

In terms of agility, analysts have given the MiG-35 an “A” rating for its performance in the air. — DSA