As 2025 draws to a close, the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) continues to advance the production of new combat aircraft to equip the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS). This is evidenced by the most recent delivery of a new batch of Sukhoi Su-35S fighters, representing the seventh and final lot of this aircraft type under the state order for the current year.
Throughout the year, and in line with announcements made by officials, Russia’s industrial complex has focused on meeting the requirements of the Russian Armed Forces. In the aerospace domain, this effort has been centered on two specific models: the Sukhoi Su-34 fighter-bomber and the Su-35S air superiority fighter, the most advanced and capable version of the Flanker family.
In detail, and according to the Russian state consortium: “The year coming to an end has become a record year in terms of combat aircraft production. The manufacturing plan for Su-35S fighters has been fully completed, and our aircraft manufacturers are already working on next year’s program.”
Adding to this, in the words of UAC Chief Executive Officer Vadim Badekha: “For UAC enterprises involved in fulfilling the state defense order, 2025 once again became a year of intensive work. Several of our plants have already completed the production program for the current year. The remaining facilities are finalizing contract execution. We are consistently increasing the output of in-demand combat equipment, fulfilling our obligations to the Russian Aerospace Forces.”
Nevertheless, as has been customary, neither Rostec nor UAC has disclosed the number of Su-35S aircraft included in this seventh and final batch. However, images and videos released in connection with the delivery show at least two fighters departing for their new home bases.
As noted, throughout 2025 a total of seven batches were recorded as having been delivered, during the months of March, May, June, August, September, November, and the most recent batch delivered days ago. Accordingly, and based on reasonable assumptions, a minimum of two aircraft—and in some cases three—has been observed per batch, suggesting that between 14 and 21 Su-35S fighters were received by the Russian Aerospace Forces over the past twelve months.
Finally, despite the recorded deliveries of Su-34 and Su-35 aircraft, as well as progress in producing aircraft for third countries such as Algeria, questions remain surrounding the most advanced aircraft currently produced by Russia: the Su-57 Felon, for which no deliveries to the VKS have been recorded during the current year.
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