MiG-35: The “F-35 killer” that even Russia doesn’t want to deploy

As the war in Ukraine surpasses 900 days, a significant question arises among experts and analysts: Where is the Russian Mikoyan MiG-35 Fulcrum F, the fighter that was supposed to rival the American F-35? Throughout this conflict, nearly the entire spectrum of Russian aircraft has been observed, from the Su-25 to the Su-57, including models like the Su-27, Su-30, Su-34, Su-35, and MiG-29. However, the MiG-35, touted by Russia as the “F-35 killer,” has yet to make its presence known on the battlefield.

Peter Suciu, an experienced defense analyst and authority on U.S. military hardware, shares this concern. Suciu notes that critics claim the MiG-35 is more of a marketing ploy than a genuine competitor to Western fighters, such as the F-35. This has led to doubts regarding its effectiveness and future in military operations. In straightforward terms, what may be framed as a marketing strategy could merely be a euphemism for something ineffectual or even misleading.

Despite assertions about its advanced radar and superior performance, the MiG-35 remains largely untested. Few units have been produced, and their operational deployment has been minimal, Suciu concludes in his assessment. “Russia faces challenges in attracting foreign buyers, and the deployment of the MiG-35 in Ukraine has not been confirmed,” he states.

MiG-35

In comparison to the Su-57, the MiG-35 faces stiff internal competition from other Russian aircraft, particularly those made by Sukhoi. The Su-30, Su-35, and Su-57 models have been favored over the MiG-35, primarily because of their superior capabilities and the logistical advantages associated with a more uniform fleet.

Another important factor is the lack of interest from international clients. While some analysts point to factors such as the war in Ukraine or the CAATSA (Countering American Adversaries Through Sanctions Act), Suciu notes that these are not the primary issues. Russia has successfully sold its weapons even in times of conflict. However, unlike the Su-57, which has garnered significant interest from countries like India and Vietnam, the MiG-35 has not caught the attention of even the Russian Air Force. In summary, there is a distinct lack of interest in this aircraft.

MiG-35 Faces Lack of Demand and Technical Issues in Russia

The MiG-35 has encountered significant challenges in securing substantial orders, both domestically and internationally. The Russian Air Force has expressed preference for other models like the Su-35 and Su-57, which provide advantages in range, payload, and versatility, putting the MiG-35 in a disadvantaged position. This disinterest jeopardizes the viability of the MiG-35 program.

MiG-35

The Russian government is feeling the ramifications of this situation. With an economy strained by ongoing military operations, such as the invasion of Ukraine, the Kremlin is experiencing serious financial difficulties. These budget constraints have resulted in cuts in defense spending, complicating the justification for the continued development of an aircraft that has not demonstrated clear advantages over existing options. Consequently, the production of new MiG-35s has been significantly curtailed. Production has essentially stopped.

Despite being marketed as a “4++” generation fighter with advanced avionics and radar systems, the MiG-35 has not met expectations. The aircraft has experienced several technical challenges, particularly regarding its radar and engines, which have rendered it less competitive against modern fighters such as the American F-35. This technological disparity, especially in terms of stealth capabilities and engine performance, has diminished its attractiveness both domestically and internationally.

However, on paper, the MiG-35 boasts impressive specifications. According to Russian engineers and media, the MiG-35 officially has a length of 17.3 meters, a wingspan of approximately 12 meters, and a height of 4.73 meters. It is powered by two Klimov RD-33MK turbofan engines with afterburning, each capable of producing 19,800 lbf of thrust, promising outstanding performance in terms of speed and agility.

The MiG-35: Advanced Capabilities, but Limited Production in Russia

The MiG-35 features the Zhuk-AE radar, an electronically scanned active array (AESA), which enables it to track up to 30 targets simultaneously and engage up to six at once. Additionally, the aircraft’s fly-by-wire system enhances both maneuverability and stability, providing pilots with an advanced avionics suite, which includes a glass cockpit with multifunction displays and a heads-up display (HUD) for critical flight information.

MiG-35

This fighter is distinguished by its capacity to passively detect and track aerial targets, utilizing an infrared search and track (IRST) system along with various integrated sensors. Its electronic warfare (EW) system enhances survivability by including radar warning receivers (RWR), missile approach warning systems (MAWS), and countermeasures dispensers.

Regarding its armament, the MiG-35 is highly versatile, featuring nine hardpoints that allow it to carry an extensive array of weapons, such as air-to-air missiles, air-to-surface missiles, guided and unguided bombs, as well as rockets. For close-range combat, it can also be equipped with a 30 mm GSh-30-1 cannon.

The operational range of the MiG-35 is influenced by the mission profile and payload it carries. With internal fuel, the aircraft has a combat radius of approximately 1,000 kilometers (620 miles). However, by utilizing external fuel tanks or in-flight refueling, this range can be significantly extended, enabling the fighter to undertake longer missions and maintain its presence in conflict zones.

MiG-35

Despite meeting expectations in terms of its technical capabilities, the MiG-35 is faced with a significant dilemma: Moscow’s inability to produce a sufficient number of units. Harrison Kass of The National Interest mentioned that “only about half a dozen MiG-35s have been delivered to Russian forces.” Last year, Sergei Korotkov, chief designer at United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), indicated that the MiG-35 had been sent to Ukraine. However, according to Defense-Blog.com, there is no solid evidence to support this claim beyond reports in Russian media.

Russia continues to boast of its “advanced” weapons, but often fails to provide substantial evidence to substantiate these claims, making it challenging to regard the MiG-35 as anything more than a modified version of the MiG-29K.

The Russian MiG-35: A Fighter That Fails to Meet Expectations

As the war in Ukraine passes 900 days, a key question arises among experts and analysts: Where is the Russian Mikoyan MiG-35 Fulcrum F, the fighter that could supposedly compete with the American F-35? During this conflict, virtually the entire range of Russian aircraft has been seen, from the Su-25 to the Su-57, including models such as the Su-27, Su-30, Su-34, Su-35, and MiG-29. However, the MiG-35, billed by Russia as the “F-35 killer,” has yet to appear on the battlefield.

Peter Suciu, a seasoned defense analyst and expert on U.S. military hardware, echoes this concern. According to Suciu, critics argue that the MiG-35 is more of a marketing product than a real competitor to Western fighters, such as the F-35. This has raised questions about its effectiveness and future in the military field. In direct terms, what might be presented as a marketing strategy could simply be a euphemism to describe something ineffective or even misleading.

Challenges Faced by the MiG-35

Despite claims about its advanced radar and superior performance, the MiG-35 remains largely an unknown. Few units have been produced and their operational deployment has been limited, Suciu concludes in his analysis. “Russia is having difficulties finding foreign buyers, and the introduction of the MiG-35 in Ukraine has not been confirmed,” he notes.

Compared to the Su-57, the MiG-35 has faced strong competition from other Russian aircraft, especially those manufactured by Sukhoi. The Su-30, Su-35, and Su-57 models have been preferred due to their superior capabilities and the logistical benefits of a more homogeneous fleet.

Limited Interest and Demand for the MiG-35

Another relevant aspect is the lack of interest from international buyers. While some analysts cite factors such as the war in Ukraine or CAATSA (Countering American Adversaries Through Sanctions Act), Suciu points out these are not the most significant. Russia has managed to find buyers for its weapons even in conflict times. However, unlike the Su-57, which has generated interest in countries like India and Vietnam, the MiG-35 has not attracted attention even within the Russian Air Force itself, suggesting a clear lack of interest in this aircraft.

MiG-35 Faces Lack of Demand and Technical Problems in Russia

The MiG-35 has faced significant difficulties in securing notable orders in both domestic and international markets. The Russian Air Force has favored models like the Su-35 and Su-57, offering advantages in range, payload, and versatility, leaving the MiG-35 in a precarious position. This lack of interest jeopardizes the viability of the MiG-35 program.

The Russian government is feeling the effects of this situation. With an economy under pressure from ongoing military operations such as the invasion of Ukraine, the Kremlin faces serious financial challenges. Budget constraints have led to cuts in defense spending, complicating the justification for continuing the development of an aircraft that hasn’t proven to offer clear advantages over existing options. As a result, production of new MiG-35s has been considerably reduced.

Despite being labeled as a “4++” generation fighter with advanced avionics and radar systems, the MiG-35 has failed to meet expectations. The aircraft has suffered from several technical issues, particularly concerning its radar and engines, making it less competitive against modern fighters like the American F-35. This technological gap, mainly in stealth capabilities and engine performance, has decreased its appeal both in Russia and abroad.

Advanced Capabilities, Limited Production

On paper, the MiG-35 offers impressive characteristics. The aircraft has a length of 17.3 meters, a wingspan of approximately 12 meters, and a height of 4.73 meters. It is equipped with two Klimov RD-33MK turbofan engines generating 19,800 lbf of thrust each, promising outstanding performance in terms of speed and agility.

The MiG-35 is equipped with the Zhuk-AE electronically scanned active array (AESA) radar, enabling it to track up to 30 targets simultaneously and attack up to six at a time. Its fly-by-wire system improves maneuverability and stability, complemented by an advanced avionics suite featuring a glass cockpit and multi-function displays.

Additional features include the ability to passively detect and track aerial targets using an infrared search and track (IRST) system alongside various integrated sensors. Its electronic warfare (EW) system enhances survivability with radar warning receivers, missile approach warning systems, and countermeasures dispensers. The MiG-35 also has a versatile weapon system with nine hardpoints for carrying air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions.

Operational Range and Production Challenges

The operational range of the MiG-35 varies depending on the mission profile and payload. On internal fuel alone, it has a combat radius of approximately 1,000 kilometers (620 miles), which can extend with external fuel tanks or in-flight refueling.

Despite its technical capabilities, the MiG-35 faces substantial production obstacles. Reports indicate that only about half a dozen MiG-35s have been delivered to Russian forces. Sergei Korotkov, chief designer at United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), claimed that the MiG-35 had been sent to Ukraine last year, but credible evidence to support this claim remains nonexistent outside of Russian media reports.

Russia continues to boast about its “advanced” weapons yet frequently fails to substantiate these claims, making it difficult to view the MiG-35 as anything more than a modified version of the MiG-29K.