On March 25, 2013, China and Russia signed a major arms sales framework agreement. China has purchased 24 Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets from Russia.
The Sukhoi Su-35 fighter has only been gradually received since 2016, and it has only been 7 years so far.
Recently, according to public information from the military frequency band of CCTV, our air force replaced the Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jet imported from Russia with the J-16 fighter jet developed by ourselves.
Of course, as a so-called “four and a half generations” fighter, the overall performance of the Su-35 is far from being retired.
Representative Specifications (indicative)
| Parameter | Value / Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Crew | 1 | Single-seat variant |
| Length | ~21.9 m | Standard airframe |
| Wingspan | ~14.75 m | Swept wing design |
| Height | ~5.9 m | Tail height |
| Maximum Takeoff Weight | ~34,500 kg | Depends on loadout |
| Engines | 2 × Saturn AL-41F1S turbofans with thrust vectoring | Refurbished or overhauled |
| Maximum Speed | ~2,500 km/h (Mach 2.25) | At high altitude |
| Service Ceiling | ~18,000 m | Operational altitude limit |
| Combat Radius | ~1,600 km | Without aerial refueling |
| Ferry Range | ~3,600 km | With drop tanks |
| Armament | 30 mm internal cannon; air-to-air missiles; air-to-surface missiles and bombs | Modular based on mission |
| Avionics | Phased array radar, IRST, navigation, electronic warfare systems | Optional upgrades available |
| Landing Gear | Tricycle retractable | Standard for supersonic fighters |
Key Features
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Supermaneuverability: Thrust-vectoring engines and advanced aerodynamic design enable extreme agility in air combat.
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Multirole Capability: Equipped for air-to-air, air-to-ground, and reconnaissance missions.
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Avionics Suite: Advanced radar, infrared search and track (IRST), electronic warfare, and navigation systems.
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Armament Flexibility: Capable of carrying a wide range of missiles, bombs, and internal cannon systems.
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Refurbished & Maintained: Second-hand units undergo inspection, component replacement, and overhauls to ensure operational readiness.
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Long Range & Endurance: Extended combat radius with in-flight refueling capability.
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Training & Operational Use: Suitable for pilot conversion training, tactical exercises, and operational deployment in high-intensity scenarios.
