Despite the ongoing negotiations, the conflict in Ukraine does not appear to be nearing an end in the short term. For this reason, the Russian military-industrial complex continues to focus on the production and delivery of new equipment to replenish the losses suffered over more than three years of combat. The latest example comes from the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) with the first delivery of the year 2025 of new Sukhoi Su-35S fighters to the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS).
As the latest iteration of the Flanker family, the Su-35S is one of the most modern combat aircraft currently manufactured by Russia to equip its Aerospace Forces. Produced at the Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aviation Plant (which is also responsible for manufacturing the new Sukhoi Su-57), the aircraft incorporates a range of new technologies and capabilities, notably featuring new AL-41F1S engines, along with upgraded avionics and radar systems.
As is common with such announcements, UAC keeps the number of aircraft in each production batch delivered to the VKS strictly confidential. This policy applies not only to the Su-35S but also to other aircraft, such as the Su-34 Fullback and Su-57. However, along with the official statement, the consortium also shared a video on its Telegram channel showing the brand-new aircraft departing for their new operational base, suggesting that this batch might consist of two or three units.
This new group of Su-35S aircraft marks the first recorded delivery of 2025. Previous known deliveries took place in May and April, also suggesting that the batches consisted of two or three aircraft.
UAC highlighted that: “… they have completed a full cycle of factory tests, have been accepted by technical personnel, and have been tested in various operational modes by pilots from the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation. The aircraft have completed their flight to their designated airfield.”
Additionally, in its recent announcement, UAC indicated the ongoing efforts to increase the production of the Su-35S, as well as the Su-34 attack aircraft and Su-57 stealth fighters, stating: “Our priority is to increase the production rate of the most in-demand military equipment, particularly regarding the Su-34, Su-35, and Su-57 fighters. For each of these models, an increase in production volumes is planned for this year. To ensure the manufacturing of these aircraft, we will continue expanding our production capacity,” according to UAC General Director Vadim Badekha.
This is a significant development, especially considering recent reports indicating that Russia has finalized or is in the process of finalizing sales of new Su-35S and Su-57E (the export version of the Felon) fighters to new international operators.
According to statements from Iranian authorities, the country has confirmed its purchase of Su-35S fighters from Russia and has reportedly received its first units, intended to replace its aging U.S.-made F-14 Tomcats.
Meanwhile, Algeria is believed to have received Su-35S fighters that were already completed at the Komsomolsk-on-Amur plant and were originally part of the failed production contract with Egypt. Additionally, unconfirmed reports suggest that the North African country may have become the first customer for the export version of the Su-57.
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