The Russian multi-role super-maneuverable fighter with thrust vectoring of the 4++ generation Su-35 is a "formidable aircraft," according to American military expert Brandon J. Weichert. However, pilots of the Russian Aerospace Forces are not using its full capabilities, he noted. This is reported by Bulgarian Military.
Eighty years ago, during World War II, US and UK pilots flew the same way the Russians do today. That is, at much lower altitudes than intended. Fighters needed to drop bombs more accurately, so they flew slower and lower.
At the same time, the Su-35 is designed for combat at high altitudes and engaging targets beyond visual range. But Russia's adversary has implemented tactics that deprive the fighter of air superiority. It uses American Patriot surface-to-air missile systems and Norwegian mobile NASAMS surface-to-air missile systems.
This has forced the Russians to fly the Su-35 at lower altitudes and over shorter distances. This way they stay below the radar horizon of modern SAM (Surface-to-Air Missile) systems to reduce the risk of being detected. However, this comes with the threat of being shot down by ground-based anti-aircraft artillery or MANPADS.
Read more on the topic:
Not rivals in combat: Rostec assessed the chances of the Su-35S or S-57 against the F-16
"Studied the weaknesses": Su-35S pilots prepared to meet the F-16
"Vicious Bird" Su-35 - The Best Russian Fighter - The National Interest
