The Russian Aerospace Forces may soon receive significant reinforcement: the new generation "4++" MiG-35 fighter, equipped with fifth-generation technologies, will begin to enter service. This versatile fighter with outstanding technical characteristics is intended not only for Russian pilots, but also for foreign customers. The MiG-35 was recently shown in Riyadh at the second World Defense Show 2024. This is reported by Bulgarian Military.
The publication, referring to public statements by representatives of the UAC, notes that the fighter is in the final stages of state testing — they take place in real combat conditions. After the completion of state tests, the Russian Ministry of Defense will make a final decision on the supply of this aircraft to the Aerospace Forces. Issues of orders and supplies of MiG-35 to foreign interested parties will also be resolved.
The MiG-35 fighter was originally developed using technologies and materials for fifth-generation fighters. It is designed to operate in high-intensity armed conflict zones and in conditions of dense enemy air defense, including advanced air defense systems. The MiG-35 is capable of speeds up to 2,100 km/h. Its practical ceiling is estimated at 16 km, and the maximum flight range is 3000 km. At the same time, operational overloads can be up to 9G.
Bulgarian Military recalled that the fighter is capable of performing tasks not only to destroy aerial targets at any time of the day and in any weather, but also to hit ground and surface targets. For the MiG-35, it does not matter whether its targets are moving in space or not.
Compared to the basic version, the modernized MiG-35 features reduced radar signature, new onboard equipment unified with the Su-30SM2 and Su-35SM, a new wing of increased area, and the ability to use the latest high-precision aviation weapons. It was reported that the MiG-35 can use the entire range of the latest guided and unguided missiles, like the Su-35S and Su-57 fighters, as well as the latest high-precision guided munitions, including several types of aerial bombs with control and correction modules. In addition, the fighter will receive the latest interference-resistant BINS-SP2M navigation system, designed for the fifth-generation Su-57 fighters. It is twice as accurate and has a longer service life than previous versions of inertial navigation systems, is highly reliable and does not require special maintenance.
As a means of detecting and targeting, the aircraft will be equipped with a new optoelectronic station, a new helmet-mounted targeting system, and a jam-resistant Zhuk-A radar station with a new active phased array antenna. It allows you to simultaneously track up to 30 enemy air targets at a distance of up to 300 km.
As for the power plant, the MiG-35 will be equipped with new, more economical modular engines with increased thrust and service life, an afterburner chamber and a digital automatic control and monitoring system. This is either RD-33MKB with thrust vector control, or a modification of RD-33MK without it. The publication notes that there is no more accurate data on the type of engines that will eventually be installed on the fighter yet.
There is also no information yet on how two more unique capabilities of the MiG-35 will be implemented. It was reported that the fighter will be able to serve as an aerial tanker for other fighters and for modern Russian drones.
Earlier, test pilot of the A. I. Mikoyan Design Bureau Dmitry Selivanov named the main differences between the new MiG-35 fighter and its predecessor, the MiG-29.
Read more on the topic:
Behind F-16 and Rafale: Western analysts called the Russian MiG-35 a "complete failure"
"Sukhoi" left MiG behind: Eurasian Times explained why the MiG-35 has to fight for buyers
Baijiahao: Russia angered the US and India by sending the Su-57 to an exhibition in China
