What is the superiority of a new fighter plane —raw speed, stealth technology, or intelligent sensors? Russia’s newest entries into its military aircraft park give a multi-dimensional answer, blending Cold War origins with state-of-the-art design. These aircraft, born in a geopolitics-driven context of requirement and technological excess, reflect the most and the worst of Russia’s aerospace industry.
While the majority of the frontline air defenders retain their roots in Cold War-era designs, more recent years have seen the development of upgraded and next-generation models. From stealth-focused concept planes to thoroughly upgraded multirole workhorses, each of these platforms has a tale of development, capability, and battlefield performance. The following is a closer look at five of the newest Russian fighter planes currently shaping the country’s air forces.
Sukhoi Su-57 “Felon” – Russia’s Fifth-Generation Flagship
Russia’s newest fighter aircraft, the Su-57, also known by its NATO code name “Felon,” is Russia’s most advanced aircraft, designed for air-to-air combat, ground attack, and suppression of air defense systems. First proposed in 2002, the aircraft’s maiden flight occurred in 2010, yet development has been slow-going — as of January 2025, there are allegedly between 4 and 15 operational Su-57s.
Built from composite materials contributing to about 25% of its build and radar-absorbing coating treatment, the Su-57 has internal weapons bays to reduce radar signature. Aerodynamic design — swept wings, canards, thrust-vectoring tailplanes — is favorable for angles of attack in excess of 60° and high maneuverability. Current versions use AL-41F1 engines, but the future Su-57M will have more powerful Izdeliye 30, with the prospect of greater thrust and greater supercruise capability.
Avionics includes an AESA X-band radar, side L-band radars to pick up stealth targets, and an “intelligent skin” sensor web with 360° situational awareness. Armament ranges from RVV-series air-to-air missiles to Kh-series air-to-surface missiles and guided bombs. Though capable in other ways, experts such as Alex Hollings have noted that its radar cross-section may be 20–30 times larger than the F-22’s, calling into question its stealth status.
Sukhoi Su-35S “Flanker-E” – The Height of Fourth-Generation Design
The Su-35S is a comprehensive modernization of the Su-27 Flanker, giving up canards for an aerodynamically cleaner shape and incorporating radar-absorbent material to reduce frontal radar cross-section to 1–3 m². Powered by AL-41F1S thrust-vectoring engines producing up to 32,000 lbf each, it is severely limited in supercruise and has outlandish post-stall maneuverability.
Its N035 Irbis-E PESA radar can detect fighter-sized targets at a range of up to 400 km and can track 30 simultaneously, and the OLS-35 IRST offers passive detection to 90 km in the rear hemisphere. In combat, the Su-35S has been successful in Syria and Ukraine, most notably by utilizing the R-37M missile for long-range interceptions of nearly 400 km. Losses to sophisticated SAMs like the Patriot highlight the non-stealth fighter’s vulnerability in the modern integrated air defense setting, however.
Export record affirms expectation of its geopolitical relevance — China procured 24 units, with airframes destined for Egypt being delivered to Algeria and potentially Iran after prodding from U.S. sanctions.
Sukhoi Su-30SM/SM2 – Twin-Seat Multirole Endurance Fighter
Derived from the Su-27, the Su-30 is fitted with a two-seat cockpit for pilot and weapons systems officer to enhance mission coordination on long missions. The SM and SM2 models are equipped with updated avionics, where the SM2 has the Irbis-E radar for detection ranges up to 400 km.
27,000 lbf each, Twin AL-31FP engines enable Mach 1.75 speeds and operational ranges of 1,864 miles. The longer fuselage accommodates more fuel, and in-flight refueling pushes endurance further. The Su-30’s multirole nature accommodates a wide assortment of air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons, positioning it as a versatile platform both domestically and for export.
Although not stealth, its loiter time, payload, and crew size give it the potential as a strategic tool for extended stays, particularly for those missions that require high loiter time and complex strike coordination.
Sukhoi Su-34 “Fullback” – Armored Tactical Bomber
The Su-34 matured over two decades from its 1990 prototype to formal service in 2014. Based on the Flanker airframe but with a duck-bill nose and side-by-side cockpit, it was intended as a low-level penetrator to replace the Su-24 and other strike aircraft. Its 17 mm titanium-armored cockpit protects crew and avionics from small-arms fire and missile shrapnel.
A strike fighter, the Su-34 can carry 14,000 kg of stores on 12 hardpoints, including Kh-31 anti-radiation missiles, Kh-35 anti-ship missiles, and KAB-series guided bombs. In Syria, it performed well in permissive air environments, but in Ukraine, the lack of precision-guided munitions forced it to use low-level unguided bomb runs, exposing it to MANPADS and SHORAD threats.
Recent advancements include widespread use of UMPK glide-bomb kits to carry heavy FAB-series bombs at standoff ranges, shifting its role toward that of a high-payload glide bomb aircraft. Modernization of the Su-34M attempts to enhance standoff range with more advanced sensors and electronic warfare capabilities.
Mikoyan MiG-35 “Fulcrum-F” – Modernized Multirole Light Fighter
The MiG-35 is the latest variant of the MiG-29 family, which was introduced in 2017 as a 4++ generation fighter. It features a new airframe, 7% more powerful RD-33MK engines compared to their originals, and Zhuk-AE AESA radar that can track 30 targets at 100 miles.
With a 52,000 ft service ceiling, 1,242 miles range, and Mach 2.25 speed, MiG-35 can perform both air superiority and strike missions. R-73 and R-77 air-to-air missiles, guided bombs, rockets, and 30 mm GSh-30-1 cannon are its weapons. Avionics such as a helmet-mounted display, a glass cockpit, and an infrared search and track system enhance situational awareness.
Despite its capabilities, the MiG-35 has struggled to secure export orders, and only six have been delivered to Russian service. The issues with radar and engines have also reduced demand, as a testament to Russia’s light fighter program stumbling in the competition with tried-and-tested Western designs.
Russia’s new Su-57 fighters represent a sea change in its airpower policy — balancing the development of fifth-generation stealth technology with the refinement of proven fourth-generation design concepts. The Su-57 is aimed at countering Western stealth fighters but is marred by production and performance issues. The Su-35S and Su-30 variants offer robust kinematic and multirole performance, while the Su-34 answers recent threats with standoff weapons. The MiG-35, though technologically advanced, remains a niche fighter. Together, they form an air force that is strong but governed by economic imperatives, export politics, and evolving demands of contemporary war.