Russia's MiG‑35 fighter completes tests, orders anticipated

The MiG-35, an advancement of the MiG-29, was first flown in Russia in 2016. It was intended to replace older models, but Russia only purchased six units, which were allocated to an aerobatic team. The military did not acquire the aircraft. In 2023, a return to MiG-35 production was announced as an alternative to the Su-75 program.

UAC representatives claim that the combat trials of the new aircraft over Ukraine have just concluded. In recent years, the manufacturer introduced a series of alterations to the MiG-35's design, resulting in the latest version of the fighter jet fully meeting the expectations of the Russian Federation's military. UAC emphasizes that the modifications from previous versions aim to ensure the MiG-35 is suited for full-scale conflicts.

The MiG-35 has been equipped with technologies from the Su-57, including radar-absorbing coatings and modern navigation systems. It has been integrated with the latest weapons, and its onboard electronics have been unified with those of the Su-35SM and Su-30SM2.

It is also known that the aircraft is equipped with new engines featuring modular construction and digital control. These are RD-33K units, which propel the MiG to a speed of Mach 2.35, approximately 1,740 mph. The manufacturer also decided to redesign the wing compared to its predecessor, the MiG-29, to enhance flight parameters. The MiG-35 is classified as a "light fighter," even though its takeoff weight is 54,000 lbs.

Details concerning the order of the MiG-35 for the Russian military remain unknown. The manufacturer has not disclosed how many orders can be fulfilled. It is also unclear when the jets might be produced and delivered to the units.