Russia replenishes air fleet: New Su‑35s deliveries outpace losses
Every few months, Russia announces the delivery of new aircraft for its air force. The scale of production is small, and typically only a few units are made each year. Nonetheless, the number of new aircraft exceeds the losses suffered by the Russian air force in Ukraine.
Russian aircraft manufacturers reported the delivery of a new batch of Su-35S aircraft to the air force. Russian sources remain silent about the number of units delivered, but judging from the available video and photographic materials, two aircraft were delivered, just like before.
According to Defence 24, this raises the total number of aircraft delivered this year to six — previously, two Su-35S and two Su-34M were delivered. Meanwhile, the number of documented losses is lower: in 2023, the Russian air force lost a Tu-22M bomber, two Su-25 strike aircraft, and two Su-30s.
Only three of the lost aircraft were combat losses — a Su-25 was shot down over Ukraine, and two Su-30s fell victim to Ukrainian unmanned sea vehicles Magura V7, which were equipped with AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles.
How many combat aircraft does Russia produce?
Although the scale of Russian deliveries looks very modest, six new machines are enough to cover this year's combat losses. It is worth remembering, however, that the potential of the Russian air force is weakening not only due to crashes or shootdowns but also because of increasing wear and tear.
For aircraft whose production has been completed — like the Su-24, Tu-22, or Tu-95 — this could lead to a situation where, despite no combat losses, the number of aircraft capable of flying is decreasing.
How many Su-35S has Russia lost?
The aircraft delivered to the air force, the Su-35S, is the latest variant of the Russian air superiority fighter derived from the Su-27. It was designed to fill the gap in the capabilities of the Russian air force due to the delayed development and commissioning of the Su-57.
Due to problems with the timely implementation of the latter, the Su-35S is currently the most modern combat aircraft used by the Russian air force. Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, Russia has lost at least seven machines of this type.
