Russia’s Su-35: The Flying Marvel That Couldn’t Fly Past Its Problems

6 min readNov 17, 2024

Ah, the Su-35! Russia’s top gun. The fighter jet that’s supposed to say, “I’m here, I’m advanced, and I’ll make you regret looking up.” But here’s the twist: in Ukraine, this so-called marvel has spent more time as an expensive falling star than a dominant warbird. Let’s talk about how the pride of Russian aviation found itself getting swatted out of the sky like a drunk mosquito at a summer barbecue.

The Su-35: A Fancy Name for a Fancy Plane

First, credit where it’s due. On paper, the Su-35 looks like it could moonwalk on clouds. It’s got thrust-vectoring engines — yes, it dances in the air — paired with a radar system so sophisticated it can find a needle in a haystack… from another continent. It’s called a “4++ generation” fighter. What does that mean? It’s like saying, “We almost made it to fifth-gen, but we’re not quite there. Still, we’re better than those ‘old guys.’”

This baby can fly 3,600 kilometers without stopping for gas. It’s loaded with missiles that sound like something out of a James Bond movie — the R-77 for dogfights, the Kh-31P for smashing radar systems. On paper, the Su-35 is a flying apex predator. In practice? Well, even the best lion can trip over its own tail.

Ukraine: Where Russian Jets Go to Die

Now, let’s drop this aircraft into the real world, specifically the skies over Ukraine. You’d think the Su-35 would be carving up the airspace, right? Wrong. It’s been having a rough time, like an overconfident boxer walking into a bar full of UFC fighters. The losses have piled up faster than excuses at a Russian press briefing.

Some of Its Greatest Hits (or Misses):

Downed by Ukraine’s Air Defenses: Ukraine isn’t playing with slingshots. Thanks to Western friends, they’ve got air defense systems like the MIM-104 Patriot and NASAMS. These things see a Su-35 coming and go, “Not today, Ivan.” Case in point: April 2022, near Izyum — a Su-35 goes down, pilot ejects, and boom, captured. That’s not air superiority; that’s air embarrassment.
Shot Down by… Russia? Here’s a fun one. September 2023, Tokmak region — a Su-35 gets blasted out of the sky by a Russian S-300 missile. Friendly fire? More like “we don’t know what we’re doing up here” fire. When your own side can’t tell the difference between you and the enemy, maybe the “advanced radar” isn’t as advanced as you think.
Air-to-Air Mediocrity: Sure, it’s scored a couple of wins — shot down a Ukrainian MiG-29 here, a helicopter there. But those are rare moments of glory in what’s otherwise been a series of expensive crashes.

Why Is the Su-35 Eating Dirt?

How does a high-tech fighter jet with a billion-dollar price tag end up looking like a flying piñata? A few reasons stand out.

1. Advanced Air Defenses:

The Su-35 was built to dominate weaker opponents. Ukraine, though, has upgraded to “boss level” with Western gear. Patriots, NASAMS, and other systems have turned the skies into a no-fly zone for Russian planes. The Su-35’s supposed stealth? Turns out, it’s like hiding behind a curtain in a glass house.

2. Russian Command Dysfunction:

Russia’s military seems to operate with all the coordination of a karaoke night at a dive bar. Friendly fire? Check. Bad communication? Double check. When your fancy jet gets downed by your own team, you’re not losing to the enemy — you’re losing to yourself.

3. Maintenance Nightmares:

Advanced jets need advanced care. Problem is, sanctions are choking Russia’s access to critical parts. Pilots aren’t getting enough flight hours. Jets aren’t getting proper maintenance. It’s like driving a Ferrari without oil changes — it’ll look great until it breaks down on the freeway.

The Bigger Picture: What the Su-35’s Woes Mean

This isn’t just about one jet. The Su-35’s struggles are part of a bigger story about modern warfare, Russia’s aviation industry, and what happens when you underestimate your opponent.

1. Air Superiority? Not So Fast:

Russia’s inability to dominate the skies is a strategic disaster. Without air superiority, their ground forces are sitting ducks for Ukrainian drones and missiles.

2. Export Dreams Crashing:

Russia loves selling jets like the Su-35 to countries like China and Egypt. But now? Buyers are probably rethinking their options. Nobody wants to invest in a jet that’s becoming a meme.

3. Morale Hits Hard:

For Russian forces, watching their best planes drop like overpriced anvils has to hurt. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s successes — powered by Western aid — are a major confidence boost.

Lessons from the Su-35’s Downfall

The Su-35’s story is a cautionary tale for the modern battlefield. Here’s what we’re learning:

Technology Alone Isn’t Enough: A fancy jet means nothing if it’s up against coordinated defenses and a determined enemy. Warfare today is about integration — linking air, cyber, and ground forces seamlessly.
The Rise of Drones: Why risk a pilot in an expensive plane when you can send in a drone for a fraction of the cost? The Su-35’s struggles highlight how manned aircraft might be losing their edge.
Adapt or Crash: Ukraine’s success shows the power of adaptability. Russia’s reliance on outdated tactics? Not so much.

Final Thoughts: A Plane, a Problem, and a Lesson

The Su-35 isn’t just a jet — it’s a symbol. Of Russian ambition, yes. But also of what happens when ambition outpaces preparation. For Ukraine, taking down these jets is a victory not just of weapons but of strategy and resilience. For Russia, it’s a wake-up call — or at least, it should be.

So next time someone brags about their high-tech toy, remind them of the Su-35. Because all the bells and whistles in the world won’t save you if you don’t know how to play the game. And in Ukraine, it’s clear: Russia’s still figuring out the rules.

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