Russian Air Force News & Discussion

Sandhi Yudha

Well-Known Member
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
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

The Bunker Group
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.
 
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Feanor

Super Moderator
Staff member
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.
 

Feanor

Super Moderator
Staff member
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
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

Well-Known Member
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

Well-Known Member

Ananda

The Bunker Group
20250429_233538.jpg20250429_233529.jpg

Those photos has been circulating in internet, and basically I don't know whose the original sources. Still this is seems prototype of Su-75, the Russian supposedly answer to F-35.

Whether it is ground base or already flight prototype, also not clear yet.
 

Feanor

Super Moderator
Staff member
Updates.

We have some deliveries of Su-34, Su-35, and Su-57s in November of 2024, Su-34 and Su-57 in December of 2024, Su-34, Su-35, and Su-57 in Mar-Apr of 2025. These will be the workhorses of the VVS years to come. It's curious that we still don't have any information about an upgraded Su-35 variant. The Su-35S went into production in 2011, and was in trials before that, meaning it's realistically over 15 years old now. The Su-34 got an intermediate upgrade and the bigger Su-34M upgrade. It would be very logical to try and put an AESA on the Su-35S.


A look at Russian KnAAPO factory producing Su-35S and Su-57.


Some interesting close-ups of new Su-57s show us their interior weapon bays on the sides, the radar without the nose, and the AKU-58U pylons means to carry the Kh-59 and 69 families of munitions.


At a recent airshow in China, Russia showed off a strange engine. It was initially reported as being the new AL-51 but it was labeled as the AL-41 (izd. 117S). Meanwhile the actual AL-51 is now undergoing flight testing on the T-50-2. It has the new flat nozzles, indicating some sort of signal management approach.


The long range strike UAV production at Alabuga continues to expand with satellite imagery showing new facilities going up.


A video with alleged stats on the new Geran'-3 drone. It has a jet engine, is quoted at a speed of 600 km/h, a length of 3.5m, wingspan of 2.5m, a takeoff weight of over 200 kg, and a payload of over 50kg. The video shows an interesting truck launcher, and it allegedly carries optics. Meaning the recent footage from Shaheds striking targets in Ukraine might be these newer variants. Some sources ascribe it a range of 2500 kms.


An Altius-RU UAV prototype was spotted at the Kazan factory.


A shot of the S-70 undergoing static trials. The type is already being used over Ukraine.


Reportedly Russia has formed their first S-500 regiment. Footage is lacking, and the TOE is not available. We do have our first footage of the missile test launching at Kapustin Yar (second link).


Russian deliveries of UTS-800 training planes have begun. Note these are localized clones of the Diamond Aviation DART planes which itself appears to be based on the Pilatus PC-7. The UTS-800 is the competitor to the Yak-152 project, and it appears to be the winner. However the engines for the plane are still in an unclear state. The three planes built so far, a prototype and two LRIP planes use the GE H80-200 engines. The domestic VK-800S is still in development, and it's possible that it won't even be a good fit for the type.


Russia has begun (finally) mass-construction of aircraft shelters, varying from hardened shelter to simple hangars. Either way this is a long overdue move, and it's pretty damning that it took replacing the Minister of Defense to get this decision pushed through.


There were reports that the VVS took the An-22 Antey out of service, but it was recently spotted flying. It's possible reports were incorrect.


Russia took delivery of the 6th Il-76MD-90A in 2024, and 25th overall. The type is firmly in production.


Reportedly Russia is developing a new helicopter under the designation NV.17.


Production of the Vikhr-1 ATGM continues. Reportedly a new variant of the munition went into production though details are scarce.


Algerian MiG-29Ms were recently spotted with a strange new pod. It might be the Russian T-220 targeting pod that finally reached production.


Russia is currently proceeding with 3 passenger aircraft programs. Leaving aside the implications for Russia strategically that these programs have, they're also all potential platforms for future special purpose aircraft, from tankers to transports to MPA to AEW. All three seem to be proceeding with test flights, including a SSJ-100 with the new PD-8 engine, the MS-21 still in trials but fully localized, and the resurrected IL-114. The last is the least ambitious and likely least commercially viable option. 3 Il-114s are in testing now, one a rebuild, and two new ones. 3 domesticated SSJ-100s are in testing but only one carries the new PD-8.

 
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