Su-35 Flanker Fighters from Russia: Falling Like Flies over Ukraine

The Sukhoi Su-35, an evolution of the Su-27, boasts impressive technological advancements that set it apart from its predecessor. With canards positioned forward of the wings and a reshaped leading-edge extension, the Su-35 offers enhanced maneuverability and improved aerodynamics. These modifications allow the aircraft to :

• Sustain flight at up to 10g forces
• Redirect airflow more efficiently
• Eliminate buffeting issues at high angles of attack

At the heart of the Su-35’s prowess lies its sophisticated fly-by-wire system and the advanced N011 Bars radar. This phase-arrayed radar with pulse-Doppler tracking capabilities enables the fighter to track up to 15 targets simultaneously and engage six of them with missiles. The Su-35’s impressive performance is further bolstered by its two Saturn Al-41F1S turbofan engines, each delivering 30,900 pounds of thrust with afterburners engaged, propelling the aircraft to a top speed of Mach 2.25.

Despite these impressive features, the Su-35 has struggled to establish air superiority over Ukraine, leading to significant losses and a prolonged conflict. This situation mirrors the challenges faced by other military equipment in the region, such as the Abrams tanks supplied to Ukraine, which have also experienced substantial losses on the frontlines.

Mounting losses and operational challenges

The Russian air force has suffered heavy casualties since the invasion began, with the Su-35 Flanker fighters being no exception. In February 2024 alone, Ukrainian forces managed to down 13 Russian aircraft, including two Su-35s. This alarming rate of attrition has seen the Russian air force lose an average of four jets per month since February 2022, totaling 95 aircraft.

One notable incident occurred near Sevastopol, Crimea, where footage captured a Su-35 spiraling into the sea engulfed in flames. While the exact cause of this crash remains unclear, it highlights the ongoing vulnerability of these advanced fighters in the contested airspace over Ukraine.

The table below illustrates the stark contrast in Russian aircraft losses before and during the recent escalation :

Period	Aircraft Losses per Month
February 2022 – January 2024	4
February 2024	60

This dramatic increase in losses underscores the intensifying nature of the conflict and the growing effectiveness of Ukrainian air defenses. As Russia continues to struggle in establishing air superiority, the war has evolved into a prolonged battle of attrition, with both sides enduring significant casualties.

Factors contributing to the su-35’s struggles

Several factors have contributed to the Su-35’s underwhelming performance in the Ukrainian theater :

1. Improved Ukrainian air defenses : The continuous influx of advanced Western weaponry, including HIMARS systems, has bolstered Ukraine’s ability to counter Russian air threats effectively.
2. Tactical limitations : Russia’s failure to suppress enemy air defenses has exposed its aircraft to increased risk during missions.
3. Pilot training and experience : Ukrainian pilots have shown remarkable skill and determination, often outmaneuvering their Russian counterparts despite flying older aircraft.
4. Logistical challenges : Maintaining advanced fighters like the Su-35 in a prolonged conflict has proven difficult for Russian forces, leading to reduced operational readiness.

These factors have culminated in a situation where Russia’s technological superiority on paper has not translated into battlefield dominance. The ongoing losses of Su-35 fighters highlight the complex nature of modern air warfare and the importance of comprehensive military strategy beyond mere equipment superiority.

Implications for future air combat operations

The struggles of the Su-35 Flanker fighters over Ukraine have far-reaching implications for future air combat operations and military procurement decisions. As nations observe the conflict closely, several key lessons are emerging :

1. Adaptability is crucial : The ability to quickly adapt tactics and equipment to evolving battlefield conditions is paramount. Countries like Denmark, investing in new combat vehicles, demonstrate this shift in strategic thinking.

2. Integrated air defense matters : The effectiveness of Ukrainian air defenses underscores the importance of a layered, integrated approach to air defense systems.

3. Pilot skill remains critical : Despite technological advancements, the human element in air combat continues to play a decisive role.

4. Logistics and maintenance are key : The ability to sustain operations over an extended period is as important as the capabilities of the aircraft themselves.

As the conflict continues, both sides are likely to adapt their strategies. The potential supply of AGM-154 JSOW to Ukraine for F-16 fighters could further complicate Russia’s air operations, potentially leading to even greater losses for the Su-35 and other Russian aircraft.

The ongoing challenges faced by the Su-35 Flanker fighters in Ukrainian skies serve as a stark reminder that technological superiority alone does not guarantee success in modern warfare. As the conflict evolves, the ability to adapt, innovate, and effectively integrate various military capabilities will likely determine the ultimate outcome of air operations in this theater and shape the future of air combat strategies worldwide.