The MiG-35 was supposed to become a new light multi-role "4++" generation fighter to replace the MiG-29. The aircraft first took to the skies in 2016, received a modern radar, engines with increased service life, and an expanded range of weapons.

However, today there are only a few of these machines in the Russian Aerospace Forces. Let's figure out why the MiG-35 was produced in a series of no more than a dozen.

Why didn't the aircraft go into large-scale production?

The main reason is a change in procurement structure. Instead of two parallel families (light MiG and heavy Su), the Ministry of Defence focused on Sukhoi aircraft.

The Su-30SM, Su-35S, and Su-57 have a greater flight range, carry up to 8 tons of weapons, and are better suited for Russia's vast territory. As a result, the need for a new light fighter simply disappeared.

Export expectations also did not materialize. It was foreign contracts that were supposed to ensure large-scale production of the MiG-35, but orders for dozens of aircraft never followed.

At the same time, the MiG-35 was not even started from scratch, which saved billions of rubles. The fighter is a deep modernization of the ship-based MiG-29K/KUB and the experimental MiG-29M2. The airframe, RD-33MK engines, and many components were taken from there.

How many MiG-35s does Russia have?

According to open sources, the Russian Ministry of Defence received an experimental batch of 6 MiG-35S and MiG-35UB.

The maximum takeoff weight of the MiG-35 reaches 24.5 tons, the combat load is up to 6.5 tons, the practical range without refueling is about 2000 km, and the promised maximum speed exceeds 2400 km/h.

Can the MiG-35 still return?

Technically, the aircraft remains one of the most modern representatives of its class. It is equipped with RD-33MK engines with increased thrust up to 9000 kgf in afterburner, a modern digital cockpit, and is capable of using almost the entire range of aviation weapons.

But for now, the priority for the Russian industry remains to increase the production of Su-34, Su-35S, and Su-57, while the MiG-35 has been put "on the shelf".