Russian Air Force News & Discussion

[Sandhi Yudha]

This article on the MI-35 expresses some scepticism including the non fitting of the AESA radar and this is for the needs of Russia

The MiG-35 has been on life support. Now Moscow wants to revive it for the Ukraine war. - Breaking Defense

Russian officials want to ramp up production on the largely unloved MiG-35, but there are major hurdles in the way.

breakingdefense.com

So a low rate of production of the MIG-35 in the LMZ facility is possible, but maybe only in combination with the older Zhuk-M, which makes it actually more similar to the MiG-29M.

The VKS and export customers preferred the Su-27 family above the MiG-29 family, because the Sukhois were simply superior in almost everything compared to the MiGs, but because of the current war in Ukraine, Russia just need more fighter aircraft.

 

[Ananda]

low rate of production of the MIG-35 in the LMZ facility is possible, but maybe only in combination with the older Zhuk-M, which makes it actually more similar to the MiG-29M.

Those speculation mostly from Ukrainian sources, and not Russian sources. That's why I doubt the sources is credible enough to talk on Russian program intention. So far Russia has not shown inclination to invest on Mig 35. They don't have customers for that, and Russian AF has shown no interest on the products.

The only Russian talk the article mentioned is from official that not in charge anymore on Russian program. The logic on the article to restart Mig 35 line also bit questionable in my opinion. When you are in war, you invest on proven products and production line and not restarting the products that you are shown not interest before the War.

 

[Feanor]

So a low rate of production of the MIG-35 in the LMZ facility is possible, but maybe only in combination with the older Zhuk-M, which makes it actually more similar to the MiG-29M.

The VKS and export customers preferred the Su-27 family above the MiG-29 family, because the Sukhois were simply superior in almost everything compared to the MiGs, but because of the current war in Ukraine, Russia just need more fighter aircraft.

Is there a reason they can't produce the Zhuk-AE? They're presumably producing the N036 Belka...

On the "more fighter aircraft", I don't think that's true. Russian production outpaces Russian losses, and it's likely not good use of resources to boot up production of a MiG-29 upgrade now when the Su-57 is already being delivered. Continuing production of legacy Super Flankers makes sense to keep the numbers up, but even that's more of a continuation, with the war effort in mind, rather than a distinct intention to focus on the type.

 

[seaspear]

I cant find a direct answer to the non production of Zhuk-AE
but is it possible imported technology plays a part as per missile program

Components from American and Western Companies Are in Every Russian Missile

In the third year of the full-scale war, the Russian military-industrial complex continues to use Western technology in its weaponry.

united24media.com

 

[Feanor]

I cant find a direct answer to the non production of Zhuk-AE
but is it possible imported technology plays a part as per missile program

Components from American and Western Companies Are in Every Russian Missile

In the third year of the full-scale war, the Russian military-industrial complex continues to use Western technology in its weaponry.

united24media.com

The far likelier scenario is that the MiG-35 itself is unnecessary. What does it bring to the table that warrants starting up production of a jet on different engines with a different radar? Will it be cheaper? Unlikely. The Su-35S line has been in production with large volumes produced and export orders to China and Iran the volume will make it more affordable. It's also made at KnAAPO, a large factory in good shape that's been producing Su-27 family jets for 40+ years uninterrupted. You really really need AESA radar? Focus on the Su-57, or adapt the already in production N036 to the Su-35S. It's due for an upgrade. Need a cheap bomb truck? Either increase Su-34 production or pull more Su-24Ms out of storage. When it was peacetime and there was money Russia bought 6 MiG-35s domestically and then stopped. Now in war time they will pick this project up again?

 

[Sandhi Yudha]

The far likelier scenario is that the MiG-35 itself is unnecessary. What does it bring to the table that warrants starting up production of a jet on different engines with a different radar? Will it be cheaper? Unlikely. The Su-35S line has been in production with large volumes produced and export orders to China and Iran the volume will make it more affordable. It's also made at KnAAPO, a large factory in good shape that's been producing Su-27 family jets for 40+ years uninterrupted. You really really need AESA radar? Focus on the Su-57, or adapt the already in production N036 to the Su-35S. It's due for an upgrade. Need a cheap bomb truck? Either increase Su-34 production or pull more Su-24Ms out of storage. When it was peacetime and there was money Russia bought 6 MiG-35s domestically and then stopped. Now in war time they will pick this project up again?

If the production of the Sukhois is still sufficiently, then restarting the production of the MiG-35 is indeed unnecessary. Specially if there are enough MiG-29, Su-24 and Su-27 in storage ready to be refurbished and modernized.

 

[seaspear]

Are these aircraft in storage needing refurbishment and modernization relying on electronics under sanction? Has damage from recent drone attacks impacted production?

Ukrainian Chaklun-V UAVs Hit Smolensk Aviation Plant, Where Su-25 Aircraft Are Being Modernized | Defense Express

Defense Express has analyzed the details of the new attack by the Ukrainian Defense Forces on the capabilities of the russian military-industrial complex

en.defence-ua.com