Unveiling MiG‑35: Russia's latest fighter aircraft

Russians, for the first time, are deploying the new MiG-35 aircraft during operations against Ukraine. Let's delve into this machine and its capacities.

Sergey Korotkov, chief designer of the Russian United Aircraft Corporation (OAK), announced the combat debut of the MiG-35s on Sputnik Radio.

While information conveyed by Kremlin propaganda outlets should be taken with a pinch of salt, the possibility of MiG-35s flying over Ukraine cannot be ruled out. In early spring 2023, the Kremlin announced plans to commission these machines. But what do we know about them?

The MiG-35 is Russia's endeavor to evolve a new generation of warplanes based on the MiG-29. The MiG-35, built on the MiG-29M2 variant and referred to by the Russians as a 4++ generation machine, emphasizes its superiority over older models.

The plane was initially intended for export, but a delay in the Russian Su-75 Checkmate development program necessitated a bridging solution for Russian military aviation. Its task is to supersede the increasingly outdated MiG-29s until the Su-75 is refined and introduced into serial production.

The MiG-35 signifies an attempt to tackle a significant problem facing Russian military aviation. By concentrating on developing machines derived from the Su-27 (Su-30 and Su-35, and Su-34), Russia currently only owns relatively modern, but heavy, large, and hence expensive-to-purchase-and-maintain combat aircraft.

As observed by Milmag service, the MiG-35 could potentially form the basis for another model of combat aircraft, known to Russians as the LMFS (Light Multi-purpose Front Aircraft).

While the MiG-35 had its inaugural flight in 2007, Russia projected to have 30 of these machines in service by 2020. However, currently, only six samples are known, which surprisingly went to an acrobatic team instead of combat units.

The MiG-35, compared to its predecessor, boasts an enhanced propulsion system consisting of two upgraded RD-33K engines. These engines can help the aircraft reach speeds of up to Mach 2.35.

Available in one- and two-seat versions, the aircraft is fitted with a new radar, state-of-the-art avionics, and a fire control system. It can carry up to seven tons of weapons at its nine suspension points. The aircraft measures 56.8 feet in length, 39.37 feet in wingspan, with a maximum take-off weight of 24 tons--quite significant for a "light" aircraft.